How Far Along Am I In My Pregnancy? by Kitty Barker

You are a young mother and expecting your first baby which is a very anxious time for you. How far along am I in my pregnancy? That is the question that most expectant mothers raise. There are two ways that one can calculate how far along in the pregnancy you might be. The American System is used by most doctors but the Ovulation System works just as well.

How far along am I in my pregnancy? In the American System if you are 7 weeks pregnant, you conceived about 5 weeks ago. The differences in the method of calculating how far along you are average out to be almost the same.

Pregnancy is dated from the first day of the menstrual period. This is a hold over from the past when little was known about cycles. Confusion is not uncommon in dating a pregnancy. Now the question still remains how far along am I in my pregnancy? There are two ways to calculate how far along you might be in your pregnancy. The first way is the American System. In the American system the first trimester ends after week twelve. The second trimester ends after the twenty-sixth week. The due date then is the fortieth week. This is a common method in this country to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy.

The other manner of figuring our where you are in your pregnancy and your due date is called the Ovulation System.

The above chart makes a comparison for you so that you are better able to understand how to calculate. The question again presents itself, how far along am I in my pregnancy? The numerous tests you can take and different ways to calculate may still have you confused.

The Ovulation System which is used in many other countries and often in the United States seems to be the most accurate way of getting an exact measure of how far along you are in your pregnancy. In the Ovulation System conception is considered week 0. The positive pregnancy test can be measured by week 2. The end of the first trimester is weeks 10-11. The end of the second trimester is week twenty-four. The due date is normally figured at week thirty-eight. In comparison to the American System there is a two week difference.

How far along am I in my pregnancy? The question still remains the answer depends on what system the doctor uses in his calculations. Some ladies like to count backward to figure out when they conceived, if the American System is used and you are seven weeks pregnant, you conceived five weeks ago. There are other things to consider as well that might help you to determine when you think your pregnancy began. You can of course take the home pregnancy test that helps you to know for sure you are pregnant. When you?re trying as a couple to get pregnant it is not uncommon for a woman to take the home pregnancy test every month. This then gives you a better idea of when you might have conceived.

A missed period is another method of knowing that you are pregnant. The calendar tracking can help you just as well. It is a good thing to track on your calendar the last day of your period and know when you are ovulating. You and your doctor can work out a plan together that will help you and your husband plan a pregnancy. One last time you may ask, How far along am I in my pregnancy?

The use of the above methods, well planned relationship, and testing methods are all ways that can help you understand approximately how far along in your pregnancy you are. The Ultimate end when the baby comes is normally up to the baby when it decides to come.

About The Author Kitty Barker who often writes for and with Pregnancy Information where there is far more information, news and resources. She also writes for Pregnancy Weight Gain If that link is inactive, you can paste this link into your browser - http://pregnancy-and-baby-tips.com/.

View the original article here

Abdominal Cramps During Early Pregnancy by Kitty Barker

It is not uncommon to have abdominal cramps during early pregnancy. Many women become frightened and fear that they may be having a miscarriage. This is normally not the reason for abdominal cramps during early pregnancy. The embryo is embedding itself in the lining of the uterus. This is what makes you feel cramps similar to those felt when you?re having your period. The cramps may last for several days and you may suffer the way you did when having a period on a normal basis. Please do not be afraid of those cramps as they are a normal part of the pregnancy.

Abdominal cramps during early pregnancy are a normal happening that all women experience. A more serious problem is when you are suffering lower abdominal pain. Then it is best that you consult your physician. It is not uncommon for many women to suffer the lower cramps which are referred to as sporadic abdominal discomfort. These sporadic abdominal cramps are similar to those pain felt during a normal period. It is a sign that your uterus is preparing to carry your baby through the next nine months. If you are suffering the pains with other symptoms then you will need to immediately contact your physician.

Women, who suffer from chills, fever, spotting along with abdominal cramps during early pregnancy maybe suffering from other more harmful conditions, when a fertilized egg attaches outside of a woman?s uterus then this condition is referred to as Ectopic Pregnancy. The egg usually will attach itself to the fallopian tube. Normally this condition is caught in the first few weeks and treated right away. If for some reason it does not get noticed and treated it could be very dangerous as the fallopian tube may result in rupture. The signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include spotting, abdominal pain and tenderness. These signs are accompanied with lower back pain, shoulder pain, dizziness or faintness. If you suspect an ectopic pregnancy please contact your physician right away.

Abdominal cramps during early pregnancy unfortunately can occasionally mean that you are about to have a miscarriage. Typically, the symptoms for a miscarriage are bleeding that might be light or heavy, menstrual cramps that gradually increase in intensity. Some women suffer from back pain.

If any of these symptoms arise please contact your physician immediately.

Remain calm because it does not necessarily mean that you are in the process of having a miscarriage as other things maybe going on that are lesser by nature. Some ladies suffer from lower back pain due to kidney stones, gallbladder disease or even pancreatitis. When you suffer from one of these diseases it is debilitating and in some cases warrants surgery. An abdominal cramp during early pregnancy usually happens to just about all women who are pregnant therefore please do not panic. It is always for the best to contact your physicians.

There is good news, however, women who have abdominal cramps during early pregnancy find it occurs from uterus stretching, from gas or even constipation. It is true that you might be suffering from round ligament pain which may result in short stabbing and sharp aches in one or both sides of the abdomen. This pain can be relieved very quickly simply by changing your position or simply just relaxing.

When you do feel abdominal cramps during your early pregnancy the best thing for you to do is set down, put your feet up, and relax. Normal abdominal pain may be caused by the simplest of things.

* Gas pains and bloating caused by hormones that slow your digestion process down.

* The pressure of your growing uterus.

* Constipation *note contact a doctor before taking any type of laxative.

* Heartburn caused by something that you ate that did not agree with you or the baby.

A lot of women do have abdominal cramps during early pregnancy which is normal as the embryo is embedding itself in the lining of the uterus. Cramping in the last weeks of the pregnancy is a sign that labor is almost ready to start. At the start of your labor you will have very strong cramps that are severe in nature and about five to ten minutes apart. This is time to contact your physician and go immediately to the hospital for the delivery. The early part of your pregnancy these cramps can be mild to severe so it is up to you to check with your physician and make sure that it is just the natural part of your pregnancy and not anything to worry about.

About The Author Kitty Barker who often writes for and with Pregnancy Information where there is far more information, news and resources. She also writes for Pregnancy Weight Gain If that link is inactive, you can paste this link into your browser - http://pregnancy-and-baby-tips.com/.

View the original article here