Ultrasound Accuracy: Gestational Age Estimation & Potential Errors

Question
Hello, I have a question regarding ultrasounds.. If a woman was to go in for an ultrasound at 20 weeks but somehow was really 35 weeks but didn't know would the ultrasound tech notice this or could this go unnoticed!? If this was indeed the case a woman was 15 weeks further along than previously thought would this be noticeable?

Answer
Hello Danielle from the U.S.,

An ultrasound can determine the gestational age with a margin of error of 2 weeks.  Therefore, if you were really 35 weeks pregnant, it would confirm that and not mistake it for a 20 week pregnancy.

Good Luck,

Dr. Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com

Monterey, California, U.S.A.

for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf