[cestiny]

Hello,

I had a period that started April 26, 2007. I have a consistent 28 day cycle and have always known the exact day I was due to start. I had intercourse on May 9, 2007 and was wondering if it were possible that I got pregnant on or around that date. I had a dating ultrasound on September 6, that dated me at 16weeks and 3days. Going backward from September 6, that goes to May 14. Do these dates make sense that I could have conceived on May 9? Or would it have been at a later date? The reason I ask, is because I had a spotting type incedent at the end of May. I understand if you are unable to give specific date of expected due date. Just curious id it is even possible that I could have conceived on May 9th?

Thank you,

[J_9]

Most likely you conceived on May 9 or 10th. Your estimated due date, according to the first day of you last cycle would be February 3, 2008.

[J_9]

Hi Janine,

Do you know anything about ultrasounds? I am so confused right now. If my ultrasound was correct then I am 18weeks and 4 days as of today. but if I conceived on May 9th, then wouldn't I be further along?

Thank you

I calculate you at 19 weeks and 2 days. But you must remember that these are only a guess. These calculations, even by your doctor are not 100% foolproof.

The baby, on ultrasound, may be large for gestational age, placing you later than 20 weeks, or small for gestational age, placing you at 18 weeks.

This is one reason your doctor gives you an ESTIMATED date of delivery. There is no real way to tell for sure.

Once baby is born there are tests that us nurses, as well as pediatricians, do, called the New Ballard test, that tests for approximate gestational age. These are more accurate than the ultrasound or going by your LMP.

Now, that I have said that. You should know, before someone with an attitude gets you, LOL, that PMs are not for asking or answering questions or even follow up on questions. Please post all questions and responses to the boards. I am not on here as much lately due to my demanding school schedule and we have several very competent women who can help you in my absence. If asked, answered, or responded to in PM, they will be unable to respond accordingly or in my absence. I will now C&P this to your question in case others could benefit from the advice.

[cestiny]

Thanks for all of your info J_9. I guess I will just have to see when baby gets here. :)

[macksmom]

J9 gave great info... as stated, even ultrasounds are estimates, only going on the baby's size.

In a fertile environment (during your ovulation stage) sperm can live up to 5 days... so if you had sex on the 9th, you could have actually conceived anytime from the 9th to the 14th.

[cestiny]

Doc keeps saying ultrasound is most accurate... more than going from first day of menstrual cycle, at least, if you aren't sure. When I first went in I mentioned the spotting type period at the end of May. At that point, they calculated that as my last menstrual cycle because I couldn't say that it wasn't a period for sure, that made me approx 14 weeks and 3 days. But after the ultrasound they added 2 weeks to it. Putting the first day of the 40 week cycle on May 14. Therefore, my EDD being Feb 18th. This whole thing has my mind boggled LOL... that is pregnancy for you. Thanks for all of your advice either way, it is good to hear other peoples ideas. ;)

[J_9]

Yes, an ultrasound is more accurate than going by your LMP, but it is still an estimate. Heck, even the New Ballard test done on the newborn immediately after the delivery is still an estimate, but it is more accurate than any of the others as we test for flexibility of muscles, size of fontanels, reflexes, cartilage, lanugo, etc. There are milestones that a fetus achieves weekly while in utero, from grading these things we can see how long baby cooked. LOL

Pregnancy is all about waiting unfortunately, even us nurses have to wait in the L&D suites, LOL. Just remember that medicine is not an exact science. That's why we PRACTICE medicine.

[cestiny]

Thanks again and enjoy your weekend! :cool: