Pregnancy Due Date Calculator
Calculate your expected delivery date (EDD) using one of three methods: Last Menstrual Period (LMP), Conception Date, or IVF Transfer Date.
Trimester Timeline
Understanding your pregnancy timeline can help you prepare for each stage:
Trimester |
Weeks |
Key Developments |
First Trimester |
1-12 |
Organ development, morning sickness, fatigue, increased urination |
Second Trimester |
13-26 |
Baby movement, gender determination, improved energy, growing belly |
Third Trimester |
27-40 |
Rapid baby growth, shortness of breath, Braxton Hicks contractions, nesting instinct |
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Prenatal Care
Schedule regular prenatal visits with your healthcare provider throughout your pregnancy.
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Healthy Eating
Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, protein, and calcium for your baby’s development.
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Rest Well
Prioritize quality sleep and rest, especially as your pregnancy progresses.
Important Due Date Facts
Important Facts About EDD |
- EDD is an estimate, not a guarantee. Only about 4% of babies are born on their actual due date.
- EDD can be calculated in multiple ways: Last Menstrual Period (LMP), Conception Date, IVF Transfer Date, or Early Ultrasound Measurements.
- LMP Method assumes a 28-day cycle and counts 40 weeks (280 days) from the first day of the last menstrual period.
- Conception Date calculation adds 266 days (about 38 weeks) to the date of conception.
- IVF offers precise due date estimation: Day 3 embryo transfer (add 263 days) or Day 5 embryo transfer (add 261 days).
- Early ultrasound scans (especially before 12 weeks) provide highly accurate estimation of gestational age and EDD.
- Gestational age counts from the first day of the last menstrual period, not the day of conception.
- A full-term pregnancy can range from 37 to 42 weeks from the LMP.
- Individual factors like cycle irregularity or multiple pregnancies can shift the actual delivery date.
- If unsure about dates, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider who may use ultrasound scans to confirm the EDD.
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Factors Affecting Delivery Date
Factor |
Description |
Irregular Menstrual Cycles |
If a woman’s periods are not regular, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact date of ovulation, making it harder to calculate the due date accurately. |
Genetic Predisposition |
There’s a genetic component to pregnancy length. If a woman or her family members have had post-term births (after 42 weeks), she may be more likely to have a similar experience. |
Ultrasound Accuracy |
While ultrasounds can provide a good estimation of gestational age, they are not always perfectly accurate. Early ultrasounds (6-9 weeks) are generally more accurate for due date calculations than those done later in pregnancy. |
Maternal Height |
Studies suggest that women who are shorter (under 5’3″) may have babies who arrive earlier, while women who are taller (5’6″ or more) may have babies who stay in longer. |
Ethnicity |
Some research indicates that ethnicity can also influence the duration of pregnancy. |
Placenta Issues |
Problems with the placenta, like placenta previa, can increase the risk of preterm delivery. |
Maternal Health |
Conditions like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure can also affect the timing of delivery. |
Weight Gain |
Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can be associated with later deliveries. |
Fetal Development |
Some babies simply develop faster in utero, potentially leading to earlier births. |
Multiple Gestations |
Women carrying twins or multiples are more likely to deliver earlier than women carrying a single fetus. |
Fun Facts About Due Dates
Fun Facts |
- The idea of a 40-week pregnancy was established by German obstetrician Franz Naegele in the early 1800s.
- The most common birthday in the United States is September 9th, suggesting that many babies are conceived during the winter holidays.
- First-time mothers are more likely to deliver after their due date than women who have had previous pregnancies.
- A typical healthy pregnancy can vary naturally by up to five weeks (37-42 weeks).
- Male babies tend to stay in the womb slightly longer than female babies on average.
- The length of pregnancy can vary by season, with some studies suggesting winter pregnancies may be slightly longer.
- Only about 5% of babies are born exactly on their due date, with 80% being born within two weeks before or after.
- The full moon does not statistically increase the likelihood of going into labor, despite the popular myth.
- Ancient Egyptians used pregnancy tests where a woman would urinate on barley and wheat seeds – faster growth indicated pregnancy.
- The Guinness World Record for the longest pregnancy belongs to Beulah Hunter, who carried her baby for 375 days (1.5 months beyond the average).
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