1. What Is Pregnancy Weeks Calculation?

Pregnancy weeks calculation determines how far along a pregnancy is based on the first day of the last menstrual period. This is the standard method used by healthcare providers to estimate gestational age.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• Current Date — Today's date or any specified date
• Last Period — First day of last menstrual period
• Weeks — Complete weeks of pregnancy
• Remaining days — Additional days beyond complete weeks

Explanation: The calculation counts the number of days from the first day of the last menstrual period to the current date, then converts this to weeks and days.

3. Importance Of Pregnancy Dating

Details: Accurate pregnancy dating is essential for monitoring fetal development, scheduling prenatal tests, determining due date, and making important healthcare decisions throughout pregnancy.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter the first day of your last menstrual period and the current date (or any date you want to check). The calculator will display your pregnancy duration in weeks and days.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why calculate from last period instead of conception?
A: Last menstrual period dating is standard because most women know their last period date, while conception date is often uncertain.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a good estimate, but ultrasound dating in early pregnancy is more accurate for confirming gestational age.

Q3: What if I have irregular periods?
A: For irregular cycles, this calculation may be less accurate. An early ultrasound provides the most reliable dating.

Q4: When should I see a healthcare provider?
A: Schedule your first prenatal appointment when you get a positive pregnancy test, typically around 8 weeks from your last period.

Q5: How is due date calculated?
A: Due date is typically calculated as 40 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period (280 days).