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Childbirth/Ultrasounds and weeks of pregnancy

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Expert: - 1/3/2009


Question
I had got an ultrasound done after my pregnancy test showed up positive to tell me how far along I was because I dont have regular periods. On 12/18/08 I was told I was 36 days, I moved out of town and my new doctor scheduled another ultrasound that I was given on 1/2/09. The ultrasound tech told me then I was only 5 weeks, so Im very confused any thought or advice?

Answer
Nicole,

Well, clearly something's amiss, but without more information, it's impossible to tell what's going on.

I'd discuss the situation with your new doctor, request your old records and have your new doctor look over both sets of results to determine the truth.

Your first ultrasound was done much too early to really give an accurate assessment, which may explain the difference now. It can be tricky to determine the best time for an early ultrasound when your cycle is irregular and/or long.

The best time for a fetal age assessment is between 8-10 weeks, so even by the second ultrasound dates, it's still pretty early, which could explain the variance in dates.

You may be a candidate for a 3rd ultrasound in a few weeks to see if the third time is the charm...



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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