Pregnancy Weeks and Conception Dates: A Guide for Women

I would like to know the gestational age and the date of conception?

My menstrual cycle is not very regular (but it consistently lasts for 7 days).
I use the Eveline App to track my periods.
My last periods were on December 3, 2023, January 9, 2024, and March 3, 2024.
The app indicates that my next period is expected on April 19, 2024.
I had intercourse on March 31, April 3, and April 5, with high fertility days on April 3 and April 4.
However, on April 15, my company scheduled a health check-up, which included abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds, but nothing was detected.
Previously, I had negative pregnancy tests showing one line, but on April 17 and April 18, I tested again and saw two lines.
I would like to know when conception likely occurred and approximately how far along I might be, so I can arrange an ultrasound with an obstetrician.
Thank you.

Miss Lin, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/04/22

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

You may have conceived around April 3rd, and it is advisable to visit the obstetrics and gynecology department for a check-up around April 24th.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2024/04/22

More Info

To understand your pregnancy weeks and conception dates, it's essential to clarify how pregnancy is typically calculated and what factors can influence this process. Pregnancy is usually dated from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP), which is a standard practice in obstetrics. This method assumes a regular 28-day cycle, but since you mentioned that your cycles are not very regular, this can complicate the calculation.

Based on the information you provided, your last menstrual period started on March 3, 2024. If we consider this date as the starting point, you would typically calculate your pregnancy weeks by counting forward from this date. Generally, a full-term pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, with the estimated due date falling approximately 40 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period.

Given your cycle history, if we assume your ovulation occurred around the middle of your cycle (which is typically about 14 days after the first day of your last period), you would likely have ovulated around March 17, 2024. If you had intercourse on the days you mentioned (March 31, April 3, and April 4), the most likely conception date would be around April 3 or 4, as these dates fall close to your ovulation window.

As for your current pregnancy weeks, if we take April 3 as the conception date, you would be approximately 6 weeks pregnant as of now (counting from the LMP of March 3). However, since you mentioned that you had a positive pregnancy test on April 17 and 18, this aligns with the expected timeline, as pregnancy tests typically become positive about a week after conception.

Regarding your upcoming ultrasound and prenatal care, it's advisable to schedule your first visit with an obstetrician as soon as possible. The first ultrasound is typically performed between 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy to confirm the pregnancy, check for a heartbeat, and assess the gestational age more accurately. Given your irregular cycles, an ultrasound can provide a more precise estimation of how far along you are and help monitor the health of the pregnancy.

In terms of your health and any concerns about traveling or undergoing medical examinations, it's generally safe to travel during early pregnancy, especially if you are feeling well. However, if you have any specific concerns, particularly given your history of irregular cycles or any previous pregnancy complications, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider before making travel plans. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current health status.

In summary, based on your provided dates, it seems you are approximately 6 weeks pregnant, with a likely conception date around April 3 or 4. It is recommended to schedule an ultrasound soon to confirm the pregnancy and assess its progress. Always prioritize your health and well-being, and don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance tailored to your situation.

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The due date is typically calculated by adding 280 days (or 40 weeks) to the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP). The formula you mentioned, which is months + 9 days + 7, is a simplified method that may lead to confusion, as it does not account for the full 40-week gesta...

Dr. Zhuang Zhijian reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
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