Calculating pregnancy due date based on the first day of mother’s last period works well for women who have a relatively regular menstrual cycle. But if anyone’s cycle is irregular, the LMP method may not work for her. Because a reliable estimated date of delivery (EDD) is important, Mom-to-be and her practitioner can use her conception date instead if she remember it. Just add 266 days to get her estimated due date. Please remember that a due date is only an estimate. Every pregnancy is unique and every baby will come when it’s ready. Be sure to talk to own health care provider about one’s due date.
Pregnancy due date tool
On average only 5% of deliveries take place exactly on the estimated due date. Most are born within a week either before or after of the estimated due date. A normal pregnancy can last between 38 and 42 weeks. For expecting moms, to accurately calculate due date isn’t quite as simple as plotting a 9 month forecast. That’s where out of many pregnancy date tools a due date calculator, also known as a pregnancy calculator, helps. Based on the first day of mother’s last menstrual period (LMP), the ovulation date is determined and used to forecast when one’s little one will arrive.
Exceptions of this calculator
There are two exceptions to the pregnancy calculator: conception through in vitro fertilization (IVF) or if anyone is expecting twins or other sets of multiples. Conceiving naturally, or even with the help of fertility drugs, means one can use the due date calculator based on her LMP. However, if anyone conceive through IVF, it’s best to work with her healthcare provider to determine pregnancy due date.
How does a due date calculator work?
Because a mother may not know exactly when she ovulated or conceived, a due date calculator will typically calculate her estimated due date based on her last menstrual period (LMP). An online due date calculator uses a simple method to calculate one’s due date.
- a due date is calculated to be 40 weeks after the first day of one’s LMP
- Her cycle is assumed to be 28 days long, with ovulation occurring at day 14
- Therefore the calculator adds 280 days to her LMP
This method of due date calculation is referred as Naegele’s rule.
What to do after calculating due date
Once a mother has calculated her pregnancy due date with the help of tools for pregnancy, she can get a better idea of when to expect her little one – and start to plan accordingly. One of the first steps she should take is to schedule an appointment with her doctor, who can confirm that she’s pregnant with a blood test and physical exam, and also help her establish a more precise due date. At each following prenatal care appointment, she’ll be examined to determine the size of her uterus, and to monitor her little one’s development. Pregnancy milestones such as hearing her baby’s first heartbeat and seeing her baby via ultrasound will be a thrilling part of these her check-ups. Along the way, depending on what is observed, one’s due date may be adjusted.