How Many Months Pregnant Am I?

One of the most common questions a mom-to-be is asked is how far along she is. This can be very confusing to the mom-to-be, herself. Pregnancy is said to last 40 weeks. What people do not know is that this includes at least 2 weeks where the woman is not even pregnant or has even released an egg yet. This can be very confusing when you are trying to figure out how many months you are pregnant. Then add in the fact that you could have ovulated early or late, and the confusion grows larger.

When it comes to calculating how many months pregnant you are, most doctors will use your last menstrual period and count out 280 days. This is based on a 28 cycle day assumption. A woman is said to completed 9 months of pregnancy, so is actually 10 months along when she delivers. Often times an early ultra sound will be used to determine the actual due date and conception time.

There are two ways to describe how many months pregnant you are – gestational and fetal age. Depending on where you live, what type of doctor you see, and many other variables, you may hear only one type or both spoken about. Gestational age of a pregnancy is counting the time from your last menstrual period. This means you are using the time prior to conception in your 9 month estimate. When you find out you are pregnant for the first time you are a full gestational month along.

Fetal age of a pregnancy is when you are counting the pregnancy and the estimated due date from the actual time of conception or ovulation. This means you would not even be a full month pregnant when you find out. Many doctors use this measurement as it is more accurate and precise. Fetal age is determined through early ultra sound and measuring the fetus in the womb. There is at least a two week difference between gestational and fetal age.

The easiest way to find out the answer to the question "How many weeks pregnant am I ?" is to use an online pregnancy calculator. Often times you can plug in your known due date or last menstrual period and get a very accurate reading. To count forward each month you must complete the actual 4 week time frame. Once you have completed the allotted 4 week span you are then officially that month pregnant, not prior to it. For example, you are not 2 months pregnant once you hit 5 weeks pregnant, but only after completing the full 8 weeks.

References:

StorkNet - http://www.storknet.com/cubbies/pregnancy/duedate.htm

American Pregnancy Association - http://www.americanpregnancy.org/duringpregnancy/fetaldevelopment.htm

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/duringpregnancy/pregcalc.html

Disclaimer:  The information provided within this site is not meant to be a substitute for a medical doctor's opinion.  This site is for informational purposes ONLY.  Please check with your medical practitioner before any type of treatment or prevention method is started.