1. What is Gestation Calculation?

Gestation calculation determines the duration of pregnancy in weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP). This is the standard method used in obstetrics to estimate fetal age and determine expected delivery dates.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gestation formula:

Where:

• \( Current\ Date \) — The date for which gestation is being calculated
• \( LMP \) — First day of last menstrual period
• \( \left\lfloor \right\rfloor \) — Floor function (rounds down to nearest integer)

Explanation: The calculation counts the number of days between LMP and current date, then divides by 7 and rounds down to get complete weeks of gestation.

3. Importance of Gestation Calculation

Details: Accurate gestation calculation is essential for monitoring fetal development, scheduling prenatal tests, determining viability, and estimating the expected date of delivery (EDD).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the first day of your last menstrual period and the current date. The calculator will automatically compute the gestation in complete weeks. Ensure dates are entered in the correct format (YYYY-MM-DD).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use LMP instead of conception date?
A: LMP is used because it's typically more reliably known than the exact conception date, and it's the standard method in obstetrics worldwide.

Q2: What is a full-term pregnancy?
A: A full-term pregnancy is typically 37-42 weeks. Babies born before 37 weeks are considered preterm, while those after 42 weeks are post-term.

Q3: How accurate is LMP dating?
A: LMP dating is generally accurate within ±2 weeks. Early ultrasound (before 14 weeks) can provide more precise dating if LMP is uncertain.

Q4: What if my cycles are irregular?
A: For women with irregular cycles, LMP dating may be less accurate. An early ultrasound is recommended for more precise gestation calculation.

Q5: Can this calculator predict my due date?
A: Yes, your estimated due date (EDD) is typically calculated as LMP + 280 days (40 weeks). This calculator helps track how many weeks you've completed.