Discovering and confirming a pregnancy is a life-changing moment. However, after the initial tide of surprise, numerous questions begin to form. These questions can quickly become overwhelming, but receiving honest answers is a crucial starting point to taking healthy first steps. Common questions after a confirmed pregnancy usually involve conception. When did I conceive? How many weeks am I? The following helpful tools can help you answer these questions and more.
When Did I Conceive?
The exact date of conception can be difficult to determine without the help of medical professionals. However, following a few simple steps can provide a decent estimate. Conception occurs during a woman’s ovulation period. This generally takes place about two weeks after a regular menstrual period. If possible, then, think back to your last menstrual period and add two weeks. This is a rough approximation of your conception date.
Keep in mind that not every woman’s ovulation period will occur exactly two weeks after menstruation. Some women have irregular periods that are difficult to track. Therefore, calculating conception with this method is sometimes challenging.
An ultrasound is the most accurate way to get an approximate conception date. If a person has had sexual intercourse with more than one partner within a two-week period, it is virtually impossible to know the exact conception date.
How Many Weeks Am I?
Ultrasounds offer a clear picture of the pregnancy, allowing medical professionals to get a measurement and gestational age. If you are just finding out you’re pregnant, chances are you are in the first trimester of pregnancy. In this stage, you probably don’t look pregnant, but you will feel pregnant. What are you feeling? You may experience some aches, fatigue, increased urination, etc. These are normal and anticipated symptoms during the first fourteen weeks of pregnancy. Once you know how far along you are, you may wonder: what comes next?
What Are My Options Now?
You have three possible options for your unique situation. Learning about these options in-depth will help guide your choice.
1. Parenting: Though nearly half of women facing an unplanned pregnancy choose this option, choosing to parent certainly comes with its own set of questions. Writing down your questions, hopes, and plans may help you weigh if this option is best for you.
2. Adoption: If you desire to maintain the pregnancy but do not feel prepared to expand your family, this option allows adoptive families to step into the picture. When considering adoption, you can determine exactly what type of relationship you would like to have with the child afterward.
3. Abortion: Several abortion procedures are available to stop the pregnancy from moving forward. If you’re considering this option, make sure you understand the timeframe for each type of procedure.
Willowbrook Women’s Center Is Here For You
Willowbrook Women’s Center places your well-being first. We are dedicated to walking with you as you take first steps, explaining your options honestly and without judgment so you can make the decision that is best for you. We offer pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, allowing you to confirm your pregnancy and answer important questions at no cost to you. To make an appointment, give us a call at (816) 244-7824 or schedule online.
