Avail NYC exists to be a safe haven for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy or seeking support after an abortion. We are not a medical provider.
Knowing exactly how far along you are in your pregnancy can be confusing. Pregnancy symptoms are different for each woman and make for an unreliable guide to determine where you are in the gestational period. So exactly how does one determine their date of conception or due date?
Knowing the first date of your last period is key. This is the date most commonly used to determine gestational age. For most women, this date is about two weeks before ovulation and conception occurred. Conception typically takes place between eleven and twenty-one days after the first day of your last period.
Most women don’t know their exact day of ovulation, but they usually know when their last period began, so this is the most reliable way to determine how far along you are and when you would be full term.
To account for the two weeks prior to conception, doctors take the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) and add 280 days (or forty weeks) to
determine the due date.
From there, you can also determine how far along you are by counting how many weeks it has been since the first day of your last period. For instance, if your last period began on August 1st, you would be eight weeks on September 26th, thirteen weeks on October 31st, and your due date would be May 8th. This example is based on a 28-day cycle. If your cycle is longer or shorter, it will change slightly.
Another way to determine or verify gestational age is through an ultrasound. This is especially helpful for women who have irregular periods or who cannot recall the first day of their last period.
Gestational age can be measured using ultrasound as early as five or six weeks after your last menstrual period. Measuring in this way is most accurate during early pregnancy and is best done between the eighth and eighteenth weeks. Ultrasounds to verify gestational age are less accurate after this timeframe.
Ultrasounds performed during the first twelve weeks are considered to be accurate within three to five days, while those performed between twelve and twenty-two weeks are accurate within ten days. Those done after twenty-two weeks cannot be used to determine gestational age, according to
UltrasoundCare.com.
If you are unsure whether you’re pregnant, or if you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, and would like to discuss your options, come see us at Avail NYC.
All our services are free of charge, and we are a safe, confidential place to think through your next steps.
We offer clients a free self-administered, urine pregnancy test and referrals to third-party medical centers for a free to low-cost OB/GYN appointment if you wish. Our client advocates also provide a linear decision-making tool which can help you explore your values and goals in the midst of your situation.
Avail NYC exists to be a safe haven for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy or seeking support after an abortion. We are not a medical provider.
ABOUT AVAIL
Avail NYC provides free, compassionate support for women and men navigating unexpected pregnancies or seeking support after an abortion. Our trained Personal Advocates offer a safe, confidential space online or in-person to process emotions and explore options. Equipping clients with personalized coping strategies and resources, we empower them to move forward with confidence at their own pace. Avail NYC is not a medical provider. To learn more or meet with a personal advocate, visit Avail NYC.
Our office is conveniently located at 115 W 45th St, 4th floor, New York, NY 10036. To see directions and hours, please read more about our location.
For your online appointment, please check your email for the link to join the appointment via Zoom. This link was sent when you scheduled the appointment and is included in your appointment reminders. If you can’t find it, don’t hesitate to contact us, and we’ll resend the information quickly.
You can always cancel or reschedule your appointment if you need to. Simply select “Manage Appointments” via our online booking system or contact us directly to move your appointment to a time that better fits your schedule.
If you miss your appointment, there’s no need to worry. We understand that things can come up unexpectedly. Simply reschedule at your earliest convenience through our online system or by reaching out to us.
Absolutely, you are welcome to bring someone with you for support during your appointment. We aim to make you as comfortable as possible, and having your partner or a supportive friend or family member by your side can be part of that. Just add a note when you make the appointment and we will have a male or female advocate there to support them.
Our personal advocates are highly trained, trauma-informed professionals who have been trained on counseling techniques, confidentiality, and sensitivity to diverse needs, and how to help others make a decision.
We're here to make sure you feel fully supported. We do encourage you to work with one advocate, but if you feel you need to make a change at any time, learn more about our team of qualified personal advocates or just reach out to us.
A safe place for confident decisions.
115 W. 45th St., 4th Floor
NY, NY 10036
Text us: 234-201-0532 or Call us: 212-689-1705
© Avail 2024