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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Dating a pregnancy when you have not had a last period

11 replies

PumpkinWitch · 28/04/2021 21:36

I know that pregnancy is dated from your last period but what if you have not had a period for ages and do not have a regular cycle. How do they date the pregnancy? I honestly can’t remember the last time I had a period. What will they do? I know the dating scam is at 12 weeks but how would they know you are 12 weeks. I think I might be 5 or 6 weeks at the moment.

OP posts:
legalseagull · 28/04/2021 21:53

I guess they'd have to send you for a scan straight away in case you're further along than you think.

weegiemum · 28/04/2021 21:55

Scan. I got pregnant with a mirena so my LMP was before my previous baby was born. I was dated by scan at about 12 weeks.

Original poster
PumpkinWitch · 28/04/2021 21:59

@weegiemum

Scan. I got pregnant with a mirena so my LMP was before my previous baby was born. I was dated by scan at about 12 weeks.
It is the same for me but I was breastfeeding then on the mini pill. When did they send you for your scan? How did they know you were 12 weeks?
OP posts:
Elouera · 28/04/2021 22:01

Congrats! Were you using OPK's? Do you know when you ovulated and/or dates of intercourse? They'd normally use that for dating if you don't have regular periods.

Were you TTC? Out of interest, if you don't have periods, how did you know to do a pregnancy test?

SquirtleSquad · 28/04/2021 22:01

I was unsure with dates but guessed about 5 weeks so they sent me for a blood test, the levels were might higher than they'd be for how long I thought I'd have been so they sent me for a scan (I was 5/6 weeks with twins GrinBlush) with DC3 I was 10 weeks when we found out but had absolutely no idea I was pregnant or how far along I was so we paid for a private scan the following day.

Good luck!

Chelyanne · 28/04/2021 22:30

They usually refer you to epau for an early scan to determine dates then alter them if needed at your official dating scan.

weegiemum · 28/04/2021 22:42

My GP referred me for a scan and it was by those measurements that they gave me a date. That was pretty much just after my "I THINK IM PREGNANT HEEEEEELP" GP consultation.

In my area you were scanned by the obstetrician and he couldn't see the coil so it was out with the speculum and they found it sticking slightly out of my cervix, it had slipped a bit. Enough not to work.

Original poster
PumpkinWitch · 29/04/2021 07:09

No it was a complete surprise. How did I know to do a test? Early pregnancy has a unique awfulness a combination or heartburn tiredness and nausea. I had hyperemersis last time so very much hope to avoid it this time round but who knows.

OP posts:
Bluntness100 · 29/04/2021 07:17

I missed two periods, they weren’t sure why and then I fell pregnant, so they couldn’t tell when I fell. They dated me from the scan and gave me a due date, but they induced on this date exactly, (for additional health reasons also) but it was also always the plan, as they couldn’t afford to let me go over, in case the date was wrong and I was much further over than they knew,,as too far over due can be fatal for the child.

One of the midwives told me my consultant had lost a baby in similar circumstances so now he never let any woman go over their due date if they were not 100 percent sure of the dates. A few days out and you could easily have a baby that’s been in the womb more than 42 weeks.

FeistySheep · 29/04/2021 09:13

I think in your case (with experience of previous preg) I'd guess based on when your symptoms start. I know every baby is different, but it's likely that the onset of nausea was roughly the same gestation both times? Mine was about four days earlier with second preg, but pretty predictable.
Other thing I guess is to be honest with your midwife that you're unsure, so hopefully they'll be able to give you a date that's bang in the middle of the 11-13 week window for the dating scan, giving you the best chance of being at the right time.
Do you want nuchal fold/Down's testing? If you do, I'd aim to be early for the scan rather than late, as they'll then get you back for another; better than being too late and missing the window! If you don't want the testing then it doesn't matter so much about the timing I don't think?

Rua90 · 08/07/2021 11:05

Hi :) I am 7ish weeks and haven't had a period since Nov 2018! I was on the minipill from then until Feb this year when we started trying. Iv had an early scan last week due to bleeding caused by a UTI but he didn't date it. Had what I assumed to be implantation so Im putting it at 7 weeks 5 days. Have my booking appointment on Monday followed by another scan so hopefully they can confirm the dates. This is my first pregnancy so im very cautious/nervous, cant wait till the 12 week mark to finally tell people Smile also have a family wedding and a 40th before then which will be interesting Grin

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