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

Re: Counting weeks of pregnancy

From: Kelly (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 8 May 1997 18:50:27 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: Kristi: "Counting weeks of pregnancy"
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At Thu, 8 May 1997, Kristi wrote: >
>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?

We begin the countdown with the first day of the last menstrual period because most women can keep track of their periods (I, personally, have to mark it on my calendar 'cause I have too many other things to keep track of :-) ). The time of ovulation and conception are much harder to pinpoint. By using the first day of the LMP, we are all talking about the same thing.

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.

>From about 20 weeks to about 34ish weeks, the height of the uterus in
centimeters should equal the weeks of pregnancy, plus or minus 2 cm. After 34 weeks, the baby may "drop", which makes the measurement less accurate. We measure the fundal height mainly to make sure the baby is growing appropriately. >
>Also, why are pregnant women advised to lie & sleep on their left side?
>Is it because the uterine artery is on the right?

There are uterine arteries on both sides. After about 16 weeks the enlarging uterus can compress the aorta (great big artery carrying blood from the heart to the lower body) and vena cava (great big vein carrying blood back to the heart from the lower half of the body). Lying on the side -- either side -- prevents this. Left is better than right because the vena cava is to the right of midline, and therefore, lying on the left side gets the uterus off it more. Right is better than flat on the back. >
>Just curious...I always seem to have a zillion questions.

That's why we -- and your doctor -- are here!

--
Kelly Shanahan, MD, FACOG
S. Lake Tahoe, CA

Next message: Kelly: "Re: Comming Off Depro-provera"
Previous message: Bruce: "have you had trouble reaching OBGYN.net in the past week?"
In reply to: Kristi: "Counting weeks of pregnancy"
Next in thread: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: Counting weeks of pregnancy"

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