1. What is the Pregnancy Calculator?

The Pregnancy Calculator estimates your due date based on the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) using the standard Naegele's rule. This provides an approximate delivery date to help plan for pregnancy and prenatal care.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard pregnancy formula:

Where:

• \( EDD \) — Estimated Due Date
• \( LMP \) — First day of Last Menstrual Period
• \( 280 \text{ days} \) — Standard pregnancy duration (40 weeks)

Explanation: This calculation assumes a regular 28-day menstrual cycle and ovulation occurring on day 14. The due date is calculated by adding 280 days (40 weeks) to the first day of your last menstrual period.

3. Importance of Due Date Calculation

Details: Accurate due date estimation is crucial for proper prenatal care scheduling, fetal development monitoring, and preparing for delivery. It helps healthcare providers track pregnancy milestones and identify potential complications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the first day of your last menstrual period in the date field. Make sure to use the correct date format and select the accurate first day of your last period for the most reliable results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this due date calculation?
A: This method provides an estimate. Only about 5% of women deliver on their exact due date. Most deliveries occur within 2 weeks before or after the estimated date.

Q2: What if I have irregular periods?
A: For women with irregular cycles, an early ultrasound dating is more accurate than LMP-based calculation for determining the due date.

Q3: Can the due date change during pregnancy?
A: Yes, healthcare providers may adjust the due date based on early ultrasound measurements, especially if there's a significant difference from the LMP-based calculation.

Q4: What is Naegele's rule?
A: Naegele's rule is the standard method for calculating due dates: take the first day of your last period, add 7 days, then subtract 3 months, and add 1 year (equivalent to adding 280 days).

Q5: When should I confirm my due date with a doctor?
A: It's recommended to schedule your first prenatal appointment within the first 8 weeks of pregnancy to confirm the due date and begin proper prenatal care.