Understanding How Pregnancy is Counted: The Role of Last Menstrual Period

Learn how pregnancy is counted from the last menstrual period for accurate medical timelines.

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Pregnancy is generally counted from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP). This method provides a standard starting point, as most women do not know the exact date of conception. It may add about two weeks before conception actually occurs, but this practice helps in consistency for medical professionals when determining the pregnancy timeline.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Why is pregnancy counted from the last menstrual period? Pregnancy is counted from the last menstrual period because most women do not know the exact date of conception, providing a consistent starting point.
  2. How many weeks are added before conception in pregnancy counting? About two weeks are added before conception when counting pregnancy, as the first day of the last menstrual period is used as a reference.
  3. What is the significance of the last menstrual period in pregnancy? The last menstrual period serves as a standard starting point for healthcare professionals to estimate the pregnancy timeline accurately.
  4. When should I visit a doctor after learning I am pregnant? It is advisable to visit a doctor as soon as you suspect you are pregnant to discuss your health and pregnancy timeline.