I don't understand

[Claudia123]

I just got my BFP this morning and this is our first. We are cautiously excited about this.

I never understood why they calculate how far along you are and add weeks to it. I know we conceived on March 5th, so that would make me two weeks, but it says I am four weeks when I do the online calculator. Why do they add weeks to it and how far along am I really?

Sorry if this is a stupid question.

 

[Windmills]

Because it goes from the date of your last period. I don't know why, I suppose because that's the beginning of your cycle? xx
Congrats by the way

 

[Tulip]

Medics always count from the first day of your last period until your dating scan as in the past, people couldnt usually pinpoint the day they conceived so they assume a 28 day cycle, ovulating on CD14.

 

[pichi]

they count from your last monthly period

 

[going_crazy]

Hey hun - the docs always use the first day of your last period in general and also base it on a 28 day cycle. This is mainly because most people don't know exactly when the concieved.

You are already 2 weeks pregnant at the point of conception, so if the online calculator says you are 4 weeks, then that's what you are! (it is a little confusing and I hope I haven't made you more confused!!!!! lol )

Good luck hun xxxxxxxxxxx

 

[PeaceLoveBaby]

That's always been a weird one to me too. They officially count the beginning of your pregnancy when you begin your cycle although you actually conceive in the middle of it..that's why pregnancies are really around 10 monts (40 weeks) instead of 9 months.

Not sure about the *why* but just go with it lol.

 

[Windmills]

^ 40 weeks is actually 9 calendar months + 1 week ^

 

[PeaceLoveBaby]

Oops

 

[Claudia123]

Thanks for the clarification girls. I'm hoping this sticks and isn't a chemical.

 

[rai]

That's always been a weird one to me too. They officially count the beginning of your pregnancy when you begin your cycle although you actually conceive in the middle of it..that's why pregnancies are really around 10 monts (40 weeks) instead of 9 months.

Not sure about the *why* but just go with it lol.

I've read that it is because it is hard to pinpoint the exact date of ovulation.. Even for woman that chart and do OPKs. Plus, most ladies may not chart. Those are just tools that give us a good estimate of when ovulation occurred.. Its even harder to know when conception occurred, however knowing the 1st date of last menstrual period is something that most ladies can remember. However, for ladies that don't track the 1st date of LMP, then it is even more difficult to get an EDD.

 

[NGRidley]

The best thing to do also is to find an online due date calculator that allows you to enter your normal cycle length. (like Baby Center)

This is because most DD calcs. are based on a 28 day cycle, so they assume there was 14 days before you conceived.

 

[Moomad]

So when you have your dating scan.. do they knock those two weeks before conception off again?