There's nothing quite like the joy and excitement of feeling a new life growing inside you. But, let's be honest here, finding out exactly how many weeks pregnant you are can feel like solving a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. Don't worry though! We've got your back in this "hilarious" guide on decoding pregnancy duration.
The basics: what determines your pregnancy duration?
Before we get into the fun stuff, let's start with some "boring" science (don't worry, it'll be over quickly). Pregnancy is typically measured in weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) because conception happens around two weeks after that point. Most pregnancies last around 40 weeks or 280 days from LMP to delivery.
Week one? More like week none!
Did you know that even if it feels like an eternity since "that time", technically speaking, you're not actually pregnant until week three? Crazy right? This is because doctors count pregnancy as starting on the first day of your LMP- which means for the first two "(longest)"weeks (!), there isn't even an embryo yet.
So... when do I ovulate?
Excellent question! Without tracking hormones or taking tests every single day- which most women aren’t going to do- pinpointing ovulation can seem impossible. Some researchers suggest using an online ovulation calculator based on average lengths of menstrual cycles and such but just remember these calculators are far from accurate; plus at our office we have found that they result in just more questions than answers.
Another option is paying attention to fertile signs--discharge changes and body temperature fluctuations--useful for couples trying actively conceive Or basically good old-fashioned sex practices as my grandma would say 😉
Most likely than not however unless you're actively tracking ovulation you may not know the exact date that it occurred.
Week 4? Time to start counting!
At week four, your pregnancy is technically considered just 'one' month along! From this point on, the process of determining your due date gets a tad more complicated.
To find out how many weeks pregnant you are, your doctor will likely perform an ultrasound that measures the size of the fetus and compares it to what's typical for its gestational age. Generally speaking fetal development between (about) four - six weeks includes yolk sacs and no actual embryo yet--hear about woowoo topics like "implantation bleedings" actually happen around this time period in some pregnancies.
Wait-what even is a crown-rump length measurement?
Glad you asked! Crown-Rump Length (CRL) measurements are taken from the top of the head to rump while still inside momma-bear’s uterus
I mean...who doesn’t love being manhandled by their OB-GYN during these strenuous and vulnerable moments?! All jokes aside however CRL measurements have proven time trusted accurate predictor when done correctly.
After all who can resist that spine shivering cold gel rubbing over one’s belly while Dr.O’Malley moves his wand straight through up-and-down mountains just hoping they aren't cutting corners? But I seriously digress...
A good measuring tape skillset based on decades-long training or basic machine learning-yes we said it sorry--can help detect fertility problems dysmorphic little ones suffering with certain genetic issues even before births days arrive.
All jokes aside finding out how far along in pregnancy someone is can be extremely rewarding-and now nerve-wracking task but remember: This isn't really rocket surgery!. Just try following our guide as closely as possible but please note-this information must NOT replace professional medical advice from REAL humans-aka your trusted OBGYN.
We hope we've made the process of decoding pregnancy duration a little more "bearable" (get it- because of OB-Gyn’s?) You got this mama-bear, and congratulations on the exciting journey ahead!