A full pregnancy term can be anything between 37 to 42 weeks and this varies between mothers and their babies. A doctor will usually use a mathematical method to calculate how long you will carry your child before you give birth. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to make use of a pregnancy calculator or due date calculator.
The math
When calculating the due date for a pregnant woman, doctors estimate the term of pregnancy to be 40 weeks. The doctor will ask you to tell them the date of your LMP (Last Menstrual Period). Add 40 weeks to the date and you will have a rough estimate for your due-date, better known in medical terms as EDD- estimated date of delivery.
Reports say only one in twenty babies are actually born on their due date. There are a number of factors that affect the growth of the baby, and you will usually notice that the baby is born either two weeks before or after the EDD.
Your medical practitioner will perform certain tests during the pregnancy which will help affirm the EDD or rectify it according to:
- The size of your uterus
- Ultrasounds or pregnancy milestones (fetal sounds fetal movements)
- Fundal height (the height of the top of your uterus)
According to the growth of the baby, your EDD may either be advanced or postponed, with nothing to worry about.
A Home-Test kit could be useful
Women that suspect they are pregnant could confirm the same with a simple home-test kit. Once confirmed, you are advised to see a doctor as soon as possible to ensure the positive health of the baby and that of yourself.
At your initial parental visit, you could expect the doctor to conduct a routine test to re-confirm the pregnancy, along with blood workups, a urine test and a pap smear.
