When is your baby due? Use this pregnancy calculator to find your due date based on the date of your last menstrual period, conception date, IVF three-day or five-day transfer date, or date of your last ultrasound.
Want to know your conception date?Pregnancy refers to the period during which one or more offspring develops inside a person, typically lasting around nine months. Delivery generally occurs about 38 weeks after conception or 40 weeks after the last menstrual period. According to the World Health Organization, a full-term pregnancy spans 37 to 42 weeks. During the first prenatal visit, healthcare providers estimate a due date using ultrasound imaging or the date of the last menstrual cycle.
Despite this estimation, the actual duration of pregnancy varies due to factors like maternal age, prior pregnancy length, and birth weight of the mother. Fewer than 4% of births occur precisely on the predicted due date, with 60% happening within a week and 90% within two weeks. This natural variability makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact birth date, though most occur within a two-week window around the estimated date.
Pregnancy can be identified through self-observed symptoms—such as missed periods, fatigue, nausea, or frequent urination—or via clinical tests. Blood or urine tests detect pregnancy-related hormones as early as six to eight days after fertilization.
Blood tests measure precise levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and are more sensitive but costlier and slower than urine tests. Home urine tests, though convenient, may be less accurate than clinical blood tests. Clinical urine tests offer similar accuracy to home kits but may incur higher costs.
Managing a healthy pregnancy involves individualized approaches to medication, weight, exercise, and nutrition.
Medication:
The FDA categorizes drugs from A (safe) to X (high risk) based on fetal safety. Pregnant individuals should consult healthcare providers before using any medication to weigh benefits against potential risks.
Weight Gain:
Adequate weight gain supports fetal growth, including the placenta, amniotic fluid, and baby’s development. The Institute of Medicine recommends tailored weight ranges based on pre-pregnancy BMI:
Excessive or insufficient gain raises risks like gestational hypertension or cesarean delivery. Tools like the Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator align with these guidelines.
Exercise:
Regular aerobic and strength exercises can enhance fitness and reduce cesarean likelihood. Those with uncomplicated pregnancies may continue pre-pregnancy routines, but should stop and consult a doctor if experiencing symptoms like dizziness, vaginal bleeding, or decreased fetal movement.
Nutrition:
Increased nutritional needs during pregnancy include folic acid (to prevent birth defects) and DHA omega-3 (critical for brain development). Dietary adjustments should be personalized with medical or dietary guidance to meet specific requirements.