WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for May, 1997: Re: Counting weeks of pregnancy

Re: Counting weeks of pregnancy

From: anonymous@obgyn.net
Thu, 8 May 1997 15:00:56 -0400 (EDT)

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Hi Kristi!

I'm sure the medical professionals will be able to provide you with some great info, but I thought I'd explain it a little, until they have the chance to get back to you!

The 40 weeks of pregnancy is used because (my opinion, anyway) most women know the date of their last period but may not know the date of conception (especially if those magical sexual encounters happened more than once that month!). So, averaging out womens' cycles, it's easier to use the date of the last menstrual period and make the period of gestation 40 weeks.

As for sleeping on your left side, yes, it does help increase the blood flow from your legs all the way up. If you sleep on the right side, it tends to compress the artery more because of the increased weight and size of the uterus. Because of good blood flow, sleeping on your left side also helps to get fluids circulating and will help relieve some of the swelling due to edema as well.

You are right in the correlation between fundal height. Especially in the weeks between about 18 and 28....after that, it can vary, but during that 10 week period (or maybe more), the fundal height should match or be close to the week of pregnancy. Kind of neat, isn't it! I was amazed when my OB told me that!

Good luck with your pregnancy!

Darcy Johnson Co-Moderator, Womens Health Forum

In a message dated 97-05-08 13:10:42 EDT, you write:

<< Why are the approximately 40 weeks of pregnancy counted starting from the day of the last normal menstrual period, rather than the date of conception which would be about 38 weeks? I've noticed a high correlation with the fundal height in cm with the week of pregnancy, but didn't really know if their was a relationship or was just a coincidence.

Also, why are pregnant women advised to lie & sleep on their left side? Is it because the uterine artery is on the right?

Just curious...I always seem to have a zillion questions. Thanks!

-- Kristi >>

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