Determine How Many Weeks Pregnant You Are

Figuring out how many weeks pregnant you are is simply a matter of counting from your last period. If your periods are irregular, though, you'll likely need an ultrasound to get a clear picture of how far along you are. In fact, the most reliable method is seeing a doctor, though even then it's not exact. Nonetheless, for most people, you can count the weeks yourself or use an online calculator to help you out.

Steps

Visiting a Doctor

  1. Confirm you're pregnant at your first visit. The first thing the doctor will do is to make sure you're pregnant. The doctor will also take down your medical history, including information about your period, and run both urine and blood tests to make sure you're healthy.[1] They will also want to know what medications you're on, in case any of them shouldn't be taken while you're pregnant.[2]
  2. Expect a physical exam. They will also want to conduct a physical exam, including doing a Pap smear to check for any disease-related problems. They'll also do things like check your blood pressure and weigh you.[3] To determine how many weeks pregnant you are, the doctor will check the size of your uterus, usually by pressing on your abdomen. From that information, they will have a general idea how far along you are.[4]
  3. Have an ultrasound. Another way to check how many weeks pregnant you are is to have an ultrasound. However, you usually don't have an ultrasound until you're about 10 to 13 weeks pregnant (plus 6 days). When you have an ultrasound, the sonographer will measure your baby, giving you a better estimation of how far along you are.[5]

Calculating from Your Period

  1. Figure out the day of your last period. Most doctors will calculate how many weeks you're pregnant from your last monthly period. To begin your calculations, figure out when you last had your period. You'll start with the first day of your last period.[5]
    • This calculation only works if you are fairly regular, meaning your period comes mostly on a set schedule, such as every 29 days.
  2. Count the weeks. Once you've figured out your first day, you can count the weeks to figure out how far along you are. When you're counting weeks, you don't start with week one. Rather, once you've completed week one, you are considered to be one week pregnant. Therefore, if you're in your fourteenth week but haven't completed it yet, you're only thirteen weeks pregnant.[6]
  3. Figure out your due date. Your due date will be forty weeks into your pregnancy. Count forty weeks from the last day of your period to figure out your due date. Keep in mind, though, that due dates are not an exact science. Your baby will come when it wants to![6]

Using an Online Calculator

  1. Find an online calculator. An online calculator is a simple way to determine how many weeks along you are. You can do a search for one, or you can use the one found at http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/due-date-calculator.aspx.[7]
  2. Put your information in. You'll need some basic information, such as when your last period was. You'll put in the first day of your last monthly period. You'll also need to know generally how long your cycle is. The average cycle is 28 days, but it can vary from person to person.[8]
    • If your cycle is irregular, you won't be able to estimate as easily with this method.
  3. Submit your information to receive the number of weeks. Once you've put your information in, all you need to do is click "submit." The calculator will provide you with estimations of your conception date, gestational age (how many weeks pregnant you are), and your due date.[7]
    • Keep in mind that these are only estimates. Your due date can change.

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/prenatal-care.html
  2. ↑ http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/first-prenatal-appointment.aspx
  3. ↑ http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/first-prenatal-appointment.aspx
  4. ↑ http://americanpregnancy.org/while-pregnant/uterus-size-during-pregnancy/
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a549805/how-to-count-your-pregnancy-in-weeks-and-months
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/understanding-pregnancy-week.aspx
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/due-date-calculator.aspx
  8. ↑ http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-calculator/
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