1. What is the Clearblue Weeks Calculator?

The Clearblue Weeks Calculator estimates pregnancy duration in weeks based on the last menstrual period (LMP) date. It follows the standard medical practice of calculating gestational age from the first day of the last menstrual period.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard pregnancy dating formula:

Where:

• \( Current\ Date \) — Today's date or any specified date
• \( LMP \) — First day of last menstrual period
• \( \lfloor \rfloor \) — Floor function (rounds down to nearest whole number)

Explanation: The calculation counts the number of complete weeks that have passed since the first day of your last menstrual period, which is the standard method for determining gestational age in pregnancy.

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 calculate from). The calculator will determine how many complete weeks of pregnancy have passed.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is pregnancy calculated from LMP instead of conception?
A: LMP is used because most women know when their last period started, while conception date is often uncertain. This provides a consistent standard for healthcare providers.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This method provides a good estimate, but ultrasound dating in early pregnancy (6-13 weeks) is more accurate for confirming gestational age.

Q3: What if my cycles are irregular?
A: If cycles are longer than 28 days, the calculation may overestimate gestational age. An early ultrasound is recommended for accurate dating.

Q4: When should I see a healthcare provider?
A: Contact a healthcare provider as soon as you suspect pregnancy for confirmation and to begin prenatal care.

Q5: How is this different from fetal age?
A: Gestational age (from LMP) is about 2 weeks longer than fetal age (from conception). Medical professionals use gestational age for all pregnancy dating.