Pregnancy is typically tracked in weeks, not months, with the full duration considered to be 40 weeks. Interestingly, the count starts from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP)—even though actual conception usually happens around two weeks later.
For example, if your last period began on March 5th and you got a positive pregnancy test on April 6th, you’d already be considered 4 weeks pregnant!
You’re technically already two weeks pregnant before conception even happens—thanks to how LMP-based dating works!
Why Remembering Your LMP Is So Important
The exact date of your LMP plays a key role in determining your:
- Initial Scan schedules
- Due date (which is confirmed with scan)
- Overall pregnancy timeline
In my case, I couldn’t remember the exact date and gave an earlier one by mistake. As a result, when I went for my first scan, the baby was too small to detect a heartbeat. I had to repeat the scan a few days later—which caused unnecessary stress. So, if you’re trying to conceive, I highly recommend tracking your periods using an app.
Pregnancy Timeline: The Three Trimesters
Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, each with its own milestones and changes:
- Trimester 1: Week 1 to Week 12
- Trimester 2: Week 13 to Week 26
- Trimester 3: Week 27 to Week 40
Doctors usually advise being prepared for delivery anytime after Week 37. If all is going well, they may wait until the end of Week 40 to induce labor. However, if there’s any medical concern for you or the baby, your doctor might schedule an earlier delivery date.
Remember, your due date is an estimate, not a fixed day. It can shift slightly after initial scans, depending on the baby’s growth. Most babies don’t arrive exactly on their due date—only about 5% do! So stay flexible and avoid getting fixated on the specific day.