How To Calculate Your Pregnancy Due Date

Nothing is more exciting than when you finally see those double lines on the take home pregnancy test! While your mind starts swimming with who you’re going to tell first, wondering where the baby will sleep, what you will name it and of course, all of the things you’ll need before, during and after baby’s arrival, one thing is indisputable – your curiosity over how to calculate your pregnancy due date! While your doctor (and the internet!) can help you answer this question, keep on reading for some ideas on how to calculate your due date!

How do you calculate your expected due date?

If you’re curious how do you calculate due date there are several methods that can be found online on how to calculate pregnancy date. To give yourself an estimate, try the following:

Note the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP)
Count back 3 calendar months from that date – so if your LMP was on October 1st, three months prior would be July 1st
Lastly, add 1 year plus 7 days to that date. Given the example above, your estimated due date (EDD) would be July 8th of the following year

How is EDD calculated from LMP?

To to calculate your EDD in pregnancy, see the example above. It starts with the first day of your last period. You can also calculate 40 weeks and/or 9 months forward to give you an idea of your expected due date as well.

Why do doctors add 2 weeks to pregnancy?

This is where things get a little confusing. The reason doctors tend to add two weeks to pregnancy due date is because technically, by the time most women realize that they're pregnant, it’s been around 4 weeks since their last period which is when the gestational period starts – the first day of the last period.

Can you calculate conception date?

What’s interesting about predicting due date in pregnancy is that if the parents-to-be got pregnant the old-fashioned way, it’s easier to predict the due date based on the LMP. Conception typically occurs about 11-21 days after the first day of the last period.

However, in circumstances where pregnancy happened because of artificial insemination or invitro fertilization, conception date is fairly easy to determine as the exact date of conception likely involved a visit with your doctor.

Is ultrasound due date more accurate than LMP?

Experts suggest that ultrasounds are more accurate in predicting your pregnancy due date but only when done during the first trimester, or early into the second trimester, no later than around 20 weeks. The margin of error on ultrasounds in predicting due dates increases by a few weeks the later the ultrasound is done, otherwise, they give a fairly accurate due date.

Which week of pregnancy does delivery become safe?

It’s important to remember that every pregnancy affects women differently, even when the same woman has more than one child. That said, according to Healthline.com,

the risk for neonatal complications is lowest in uncomplicated pregnancies delivered between 39 and 41 weeks. The earlier your baby is born, the greater the risks to their health and survival. If born before week 37, your baby is considered a “preterm” or “premature” baby. If born before week 28, your baby is considered “extremely premature.”

What should you expect at 33 weeks pregnant?

A lot is happening in your 33rd week of pregnancy! You’re in the middle of your third trimester and your baby is as large as a butternut squash! According to What To Expect, Week by Week, at 33 weeks your baby has reached the length he'll measure at birth, but he's still busy putting on about half a pound a week. Baby’s kicks may feel sharper, you may be feeling out of breath more often, and baby’s little immune system is developing – exciting times!

What are the do's and don'ts in the 9th month of pregnancy?

While the internet is full of information on the do’s and don’t’s of your 9th month of pregnancy, the truth is you should really only be taking advice from your doctor. Depending on how your pregnancy has been, you’ll know your limitations as well as what works for you and your growing belly! Of course, try not to stress or worry – easier said than done, we know! Be kind to yourself, enjoy the time alone and/or with your partner before the new addition to your family arrives. Get your sleep, your vitamins, your gentle exercise, and prepare for your world to be changed in amazing ways!

What is the first thing to do when expecting a baby?

When expecting a baby, especially if it’s your first, it’s completely normal to not know the best place to start to prepare for your little one to enter the world. While this time can feel a bit overwhelming, it will help to come up with a plan early on. This way you can prioritize what needs to get done early on and what comes later. The most important thing to remember is to enjoy the journey and all the joy that it brings. The fact that you are here reading, and researching is the perfect start to your preparations in becoming a new (or returning) mother. Here are some of the things you can begin to do now that you know you are expecting:

#1. Establish your care plan:

If you haven’t yet done so, be sure to research and figure out what your options are for getting care. If you have insurance, check with your insurance company to see what benefits are available to you for prenatal and postpartum care. There are screenings you will need throughout your pregnancy and knowing what is covered will help minimize any unexpected costs down the road. If you do not have insurance, research what options are available to you through your local county or government services. Having prenatal and postpartum care is critical to ensure both mom and baby stay healthy and thriving. You should also consider child care arrangements if you will be working with a baby.

#2. Diet and lifestyle changes:

There are a few things you may need to switch up from your diet and lifestyle now that you are expecting a baby. Your doctor or care provider will help you determine what changes you may need to incorporate if you have any preexisting health conditions. Things like taking a prenatal vitamin, drinking lots of water, and taking care of your mental and physical health will now be even more important now that you are caring for yourself and your baby. Expecting mothers are recommended to avoid certain foods and drinks including some seafoods and deli items. Be sure to research what foods or beverages you may need to cut out of your diet.

#3. Reading, research, and communities:

Good news, you’re doing this already! There are plenty of questions that will come to mind as you get ready to be a new parent. You will wonder what to buy, what to prepare for, and where you can find all this information. You have started in the right place. Our plethora of blogs have all sorts of frequently asked new mommy questions, with answers based on experience, that will be sure to bring you peace of mind. Having a community of others who have gone through the same experience can make the world of a difference, so don’t be timid in reaching out to those who have gone through pregnancy as well.

What week should you start preparing for the baby?

There will be various things to do to get ready for a new baby, so it’s never too early to prepare. Some may even start to prepare before pregnancy. Here is a general guideline for when it can be best to knock out some of the must dos before the baby is welcomed to your home.

First trimester to-do’s:

As we have explained above, some of the things that should occur in the first trimester include establishing a care plan, researching, and asking questions. What we have yet to include is that the first trimester can also be the time to start planning how and when you will tell your loved ones. These days there are so many creative ways to announce that you are expecting. Whether it is a party, a cute t-shirt for grandpa, or fun couples’ photos, this time can be celebrated or announced in whatever way speaks to you!

Second trimester to do’s:

The second trimester will be when things start to feel, and look, a lot more pregnant. At this point, you may want to disclose your pregnancy to your employer if you are working. You will surely need to get some comfortable maternity clothes as your body begins to take on a new and well, larger shape. It’s also a good idea to start buying all the baby necessities. Starting earlier is better than later in being prepared for a baby. Expenses and responsibilities can add up quickly.

Third trimester to-do’s:

When entering the third trimester, it’s time to finalize some of the plans. Have a bag packed for the hospital, be sure your birthing plan details are identified, and have a plan in place. If you have other children, be sure to talk through childcare plans for when you go into labor. At this point, you will want to be sure things at home are assembled and ready for the baby. Recruit some helping hands to put together that crib!

What should you buy before having the baby?

One of the absolute-musts before having a baby is a car seat as you won’t be able to leave the hospital without one. When buying things in preparation for your baby, it will be key to focus on the things that will be of greatest utilization. As a new parent, you will want to get as much sleep as possible so consider purchasing sleep aid products. This can include weighted swaddles and blankets to sound machines. It can be easy to get carried away with all the flashy and fun baby products on the market but trust us when we say you don’t want to fill your home with things you won’t need or use. Read below for some of the mommy must haves to be prepared.

What does a baby need in its first 3 months?

In the first 3 months your baby will be very needy. First and foremost, they will need plenty of love and support, but they will also need plenty of clothes, diapers, and spit rags. In the first 3 months babies will also need a comforting environment. As they transition to life outside the womb, they can have anxiety and are extra sensitive. Swaddles and sleep sacks are a great way to mimic the womb feeling to help your baby calm down, especially before and during sleep time. Dreamland Baby weighted sleep sacks and swaddles are proven to help babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. We encourage parents to try weighted sleep products to promote good health and sleep for babies and parents too.

Shop Dreamland Baby Sleep Sacks & Swaddles

What can new moms not live without?

New moms cannot live without sleep and help. While moms are known for being superhumans, we must be honest - we cannot do it all. Part of being a great mom is taking care of yourself too. To make sure you get plenty of sleep, you’ll need to uncover all the mom tricks for getting your baby to sleep and keeping them asleep early on. As a new mom, discovering Dreamland Baby weighted sleep products early on will be a game changer. Even if your baby does not fight sleep - which they all do from time-to-time - Dreamland Baby products can provide them with a comforting womb-like experience.

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