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Childbirth/how off can the dr be

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Expert: - 11/15/2008


Question
hi.. my name is katherine. i was wondering if you could help me. i had an ultrasound on oct. 2nd and it said i was 10 weeks 4 day, 10 weeks 6 days from my LMP(july 18th). my doctor told me my conception date was probably july 31st-aug 1st, is there any way i could have gotten pregnant in the beginning of july and the ultrasound is that off?? my cycles were 28-30 days. if you can help please let me know. please and thank you

Answer
Katherine,


No, an early ultrasound would not have been off that much.  Typically, they are accurate within +/- 2 days between 8-10 weeks gestation.  


Also, based on your typical cycle length, everything adds up correctly with your predicted ovulation and the ultrasound results.  If your cycle is typically 28-30 days in length, then ovulation most likely occurs between day 14-16 of your cycle, which is exactly what your ultrasound confirmed.



So, consider your doctor's estimation of when you conceived to be very accurate.



Best,
Catherine

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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