Our Pregnancy Calculator helps you figure out when your baby might arrive. You can estimate your pregnancy schedule by entering your due date, last period date, ultrasound date, conception date, or IVF transfer date.
Just change the values and click “calculate” to use it.
Pregnancy Overview:
Pregnancy means a woman is carrying a baby or babies in her womb for about nine months. Babies are typically born around 38 weeks after conception, which is roughly 40 weeks after the last menstrual period. A normal pregnancy lasts between 37 and 42 weeks according to the World Health Organization.
During your first visit to the doctor, they’ll likely estimate your due date using a sonogram or based on your last period.
However, the actual length of pregnancy can vary due to factors like age, previous pregnancies, and the mother’s weight at birth. Studies show that only about 4% of babies are born on their due date, while 60% are born within a week of it, and nearly 90% are born within two weeks.
Detecting Pregnancy:
You can find out if you’re pregnant with a home pregnancy test or by noticing symptoms like missing a period, higher body temperature, feeling tired, nausea, or needing to pee more often.
Pregnancy tests look for hormones that indicate pregnancy. They can be done at home with urine tests or at a clinic with blood tests. Blood tests are more accurate but take longer and cost more.
Managing Pregnancy:
There are important things to consider during pregnancy, like medication, weight gain, exercise, and diet.
Medication:
Some medications can affect the baby. In the US, drugs are categorized from A to X based on their risks during pregnancy. Always check with your doctor before taking any medication.
Weight Gain:
Gaining weight during pregnancy is normal and important for the baby’s development. But gaining too much or too little can cause problems. The Institute of Medicine suggests different weight gain goals based on your pre-pregnancy BMI.
These are just general guidelines, and every pregnancy is different, so it’s essential to talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.
Exercise during pregnancy:
When you’re pregnant, it’s a good idea to stay active by doing things like walking or swimming. This kind of exercise helps you stay in shape and might even make it less likely that you’ll need a C-section when you give birth. If you were already exercising regularly before you got pregnant and your pregnancy is going smoothly, you can usually keep up your normal workouts. Doctors say that as long as your pregnancy is healthy, exercising shouldn’t harm your baby. But it’s important to listen to your body and be cautious. If you notice anything unusual like bleeding or feeling dizzy, it’s best to talk to your doctor about it.
Nutrition during pregnancy:
Eating well is really important when you’re pregnant because it’s not just you anymore – you’re eating for your baby too! Your body needs extra nutrients and energy to keep both of you healthy. Some nutrients, like folic acid (which is also called Vitamin B9), can help prevent certain birth defects. Others, like DHA omega-3, are essential for your baby’s brain and eye development. Your body can’t make enough of these during pregnancy, so you have to get them from your diet or supplements. There’s a lot of advice out there about what foods to eat and what to avoid during pregnancy, and it can be confusing. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or a dietitian to figure out what’s best for you and your baby.
Resources:
- Artal, R., O’Toole, M. 2003. “Guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period.” British Journal of Sports Medicine 37: 6-12. doi:10.1136/bjsm.37.1.6
- Moore, Keith. 2015. “How accurate are ‘due dates’?” BBC, February 3, 2015. www.bbc.com/news/magazine-31046144.