QuestionOkay, my provider insists that I'm incorrect on the date of my LMP and edd with my second child. I keep very detailed records of these sort of things. The first day of my last period was FEB 28th, 2008. Which would (by my understanding) show me getting pregnant around the middle of March 08. My Dr. insists that I got pregnant at the beginning of April, which by then, I would've already missed a period. Currently, my due date is set at Jan. 4th, 2009. My first child, two years ago, had the same due date, and I KNOW I got pregnant with him April 9th, 2006. The first ultrasound when I estimated I was 15 weeks and 2 days, showed that I was only 10 weeks. But every measurement after, including the 20 week ultrasound has been 3 1/2-4 weeks ahead of where I should be. I've already lost my mucus plug and have been experiencing contractions off and on. I'm concerned because my husband is military, and I don't have a lot of options as far as doctors go. Should I trust my gut and prepare for an early December baby? or Listen to the doctor?
AnswerDear Mitchelle
It is really hard to give a solid diagnosis without proper examinaton. However certain rules are applied by all Obstetricians.
If the patient is sure of her LMP, provided periods are regular with no history of hormonal contraceptives for at least 3 months prior to pregnancy, dating should depends on what the patient call rather than the ultrasound.
A lag between your date and ultrasound dating, if your dating is ahead, proably suggests that your baby is not growing enough. If serial ultrasound indicates that your baby is growing enough (e.g. u had an ultrasound at 30 weeks by your date, and ultrasound showed 30 and 2 weeks later us showed 32) then growth retardation can be excluded.
Having your mucus plug lost with contractions on and off may indicate that you are in the latent phase of labor which may be followed by active phase within hours. Term or preterm labor shold only be diagnosed after proper examination.
Good Luck
