How is the pregnancy start date determined?
Pregnancy is a problem that every woman may face, but if you want to spend your pregnancy safely and perfectly, you need to determine the pregnancy start date promptly and accurately. So, how do you determine the start date of your pregnancy? This article will elaborate on the following four aspects.
First and last menstrual period timing method
Most doctors use the last menstrual period method to estimate the start date of pregnancy because this method is simple, safe, and has less error. The principle of this method is to calculate based on a woman\’s most recent menstrual period. It is generally assumed that the menstrual cycle is 28 days and the ovulation day is 14 days, that is, the start date is the first day of the last menstrual period plus 280 days.
Although this method has limited accuracy because some women may have irregular menstrual cycles, it can adequately combine the days of menarche and last menstrual period to determine the start of pregnancy.
Second, B-ultrasound method
B-ultrasound technology has been widely used in modern medicine, and it also plays a great role in determining pregnancy and calculating pregnancy period. Generally, when obstetricians and gynecologists conduct their first pregnancy examination, they will use B-ultrasound technology to determine the size and development of the fetus to estimate the length and start time of the pregnancy.
In addition, women will also have multiple B-ultrasound examinations during pregnancy. By continuously measuring the size and development of the fetus, the specific time of pregnancy is finally determined, which is highly reliable.
Third, basal body temperature measurement method
The basal body temperature method determines the time of ovulation by measuring the basal body temperature of a woman\’s body after she wakes up every morning, thereby estimating the start time of pregnancy. Body temperature is often low before ovulation and rises rapidly after ovulation.
However, it is worth noting that the accuracy of the basal body temperature method is affected by many factors, such as sleep quality every night, illness and other factors, which can easily lead to larger errors. Therefore, it is not recommended to use this as the only basis for judging pregnancy.
Fourth, HCG measurement method
HCG is the abbreviation of chorionic gonadotropin. Its concentration usually rises sharply within a few days after a woman becomes pregnant, and the serum HCG concentration can be judged through serum tests in early pregnancy. Doctors can determine when pregnancy begins by measuring HCG concentrations in serum or urine.
However, the accuracy of this method is affected by many factors, and multiple tests are sometimes required to ensure reliability.
Summary
Whether it is the last menstrual period method, B-ultrasound method, basal body temperature method, or HCG measurement method, they all have their own advantages and disadvantages, and their accuracy is also different. With the correct start time of pregnancy, pregnant women can arrange a more reasonable life and work plan for the health of themselves and their fetuses.
