Week calculation confusion

[hopeful32]

Hi!
We're finally pregnant after 2.5 yrs from my 1st Miscarriage on the 30th day from the 1st day of my LMP(on Feb 2008).
I'm 32 and really really hoping this time things go well.
but Im very confused about calculation of how many weeks pregnant I am.

I am in Canada and most sites start from the 1st day of the last menstrual period which for me was 26th May 2010 and my cycle is a 26 day cycle. So based on that I should be completing my 5th week today (35th day) and starting my 6th week tomorrow (30th June 2010) am I correct? So from tomorrow I should be looking at Week 6 for baby's growth on sites am I right? or week 5?

Also, i have no real symptoms save for maybe i get tired and want to rest/sleep by the afternoon. So, Im quite worried.

when should I book my 1st appointment with the OB GYN? I would be scared if I went now and there was no heartbeat so when is it safe to go to see if everything is fine?

Thanks

[LosingMyMindInGA]

Even just knowing the HCG can let you know where you are at.  But keep in mind some women have higher or lower HCG than the average

[hopeful32]

the OB GYN's nurse/receptionist says a regular HCG blood work requisition can be given but not one for progesterone. said if hcg levels fall then they can ask to see the proges levels.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

It's up to you but one benefit to going in early and having the HCG and progesterone checked is that if you have a lower progresterone level the doctor can give you a shot or give you progesterone supplements to take in order to help sustain the pregnancy.  The HCG numbers can also give you some reassurance NOW that things are going as they should.  

Of course the progesterone scenario is just an example and may not necessarily apply to you.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

The most accurate date to go by (if you aren't absolutel on your ovulation date) is the date given by measurements from the dating scan done in the first trimester.  If you know the ovulation date and the dates from your scan are a pretty close match (within a few days either way) stick with the LMP date.  

Remember, pregnancy dating is only a guess.  An estimate of how far along you are.  Even when you know for a fact when ovulation occurs you have no way of knowing exactly when the egg implanted into the uterus and therefore can not pinpoint a specific date for the pregnancy.  

In my case my cycles are longer 31-35 days... thefefore my first ultrasound showed I was approximately a week behind what my LMP date said. Knowing I have longer cycles we go with the ultrasound date.  

Also keep in mind that most online calculators are based on 28 day cycles with ovulation occuring on the 14th which isn't always the case.

[hopeful32]

Thanks :D
I too was thinking the same thing LMMGA.
Am scared to go see the doc till a few weeks have passed. Maybe I should go once I have completed 2 months? so maybe after the 8th week is over.
am just so scared-everyday is hard to get by - just hoping everything goes well this time around.

[alaysha]

I agree that it would be 5 weeks 1 day (since your cycles are 26 days and not 28) but I'm not sure if when you read books or go online if you will read week 6. Most websites though have it so that you put in your LMP and they calculate which week you are in for you to get rid of the confusion. Some of them are going to say "week 6" and others will probably say "week 5". The most accurate way to figure out how far along you are though is to get an ultrasound before 13 weeks.

[hopeful32]

and Canada and US use the same methods i believe

[hopeful32]

Thanks losingmymindga and alaysha. :)
but see - again the confusion :) am i in my 6th week or 5th? or maybe that since i have completed 5 weeks they write it as 5weeks and 1 day but that is the same as being IN the 6th week??? any DOCs here who know maybe?

[alaysha]

You'd be starting your 5th week tomorrow. I would contact your doctor and get seen now so they can monitor your levels and have them schedule you for an ultrasound after 6 weeks. Usually between 6-8 weeks is when you first see the heart beat. Congrats on your pregnancy!

[LosingMyMindInGA]

As for the dates ...I believe you have them correct.  You have completed 5 full weeks and are beginning the 6th.  I would stick with looking at the development for wahtever week you are currently in...at this point week 6.

Symptoms come and go...but for many women they really don't show until around 6-7 weeks IF they are going to get them.  

I don't know about in Canada, but here in the US most doctors won't schedule a first ob until aruond 10-12 weeks.  If you are certain about your dates, then 8 weeks would be a good bet for being able to see the heartbeat.