Pregnant mothers are excited to know when to expect their baby to come into this world, after months of nurturing the foetus. The excitement and anticipation is amplified as the third trimester is nearing it’s end, and the baby is completing it’s growth and development inside the uterus. The pregnant mothers are usually told when their estimated due date would be initially in the pregnancy, so that they can keep their calendars free from other distractions when it’s time to welcome the baby.
Have you ever wondered how is the due date determined? In this article, we try to answer this common question about childbirth.
How it the Due Date Calculated
The Due Date is usually 280 days (40 weeks or about 10 lunar months) from the first date of your last period. This is true if you have regular periods, and your menstrual cycle is approximately 28 days long.
If your periods are not regular and your menstrual cycle length is different, this 280-day due date of delivery estimation wouldn’t be accurate. Your gynecologist would determine your due date of delivery by ultrasounds, or by the date of conceiving if you know that accurately.
A full-term pregnancy can range from 37 weeks to 40 weeks and 6 days, which means your actual date of delivery may be different from the due date as determined by your gynecologist.
Why is Determining Due Date Important
Determining the Due Date helps your doctor order blood tests, ultrasounds, and manage any complications such as Preterm Birth. Having an estimate of delivery date helps your gynecologist monitor your child’s growth and development accurately. Additionally, it also helps your doctor advice you about the type of delivery you can go for and helps you prepare for delivery in advance so that you can manage to come to the hospital for delivery of your baby.
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