Calculator Tools
Pregnancy Calculator
Estimate pregnancy schedule, due date, and timeline based on due date, last period, conception, ultrasound, or IVF transfer date.
Modify the values and click the Calculate button to use.
Pregnancy Term & Due Date
Pregnancy, also known as gestation, is the period during which one or more offspring develops inside a woman's uterus. A typical pregnancy lasts approximately 40 weeks (280 days) from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) to the estimated due date (EDD).
The due date is calculated by adding 280 days (40 weeks) to the first day of the last menstrual period. However, only about 5% of babies are born exactly on their due date. Most births occur between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy, with the majority happening between 39 and 41 weeks.
The variability in birth dates is normal and influenced by factors such as maternal age, previous pregnancies, and individual variations in fetal development. Healthcare providers monitor pregnancy progress through regular checkups and may adjust the due date based on ultrasound measurements.
Pregnancy Detection
Pregnancy can be detected through various methods, each with different levels of accuracy and timing:
- Home Pregnancy Tests: Urine-based tests that detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Most accurate when taken after a missed period, though some tests can detect pregnancy as early as 6-8 days after conception.
- Clinical Blood Tests: More sensitive than urine tests, can detect pregnancy earlier (6-8 days after ovulation) and provide quantitative hCG levels.
- Early Symptoms: Missed period, nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness, frequent urination, and mood changes may indicate pregnancy but are not definitive.
- Ultrasound: Confirms pregnancy and can estimate gestational age based on fetal measurements, typically performed between 6-12 weeks.
Pregnancy Management
Medication
During pregnancy, medication use requires careful consideration. The FDA categorizes drugs into categories A, B, C, D, and X based on their safety during pregnancy. Always consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Some medications that are safe in non-pregnant individuals may pose risks to the developing fetus.
Weight Gain
Appropriate weight gain during pregnancy is essential for both maternal and fetal health. The Institute of Medicine provides recommendations based on pre-pregnancy BMI:
- Underweight (BMI < 18.5): 28-40 pounds (12.5-18 kg)
- Normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9): 25-35 pounds (11.5-16 kg)
- Overweight (BMI 25-29.9): 15-25 pounds (7-11.5 kg)
- Obese (BMI ≥ 30): 11-20 pounds (5-9 kg)
Weight gain should be gradual, with most weight gained in the second and third trimesters. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
Exercise
Regular exercise during pregnancy offers numerous benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, reduced back pain, better sleep, and easier labor. Most pregnant women can safely engage in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for at least 150 minutes per week.
Safe activities include walking, swimming, stationary cycling, and prenatal yoga. Avoid activities with high risk of falling or abdominal trauma. Stop exercising and consult your doctor if you experience dizziness, chest pain, vaginal bleeding, or contractions.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition is crucial for fetal development and maternal health. Key nutritional considerations include:
- Folic Acid (Vitamin B9): Essential for neural tube development. Recommended 400-800 mcg daily, ideally starting before conception.
- Iron: Increased needs during pregnancy to support fetal growth and prevent anemia. Recommended 27 mg daily.
- Calcium: Important for fetal bone development. Recommended 1,000-1,300 mg daily.
- DHA Omega-3: Supports fetal brain and eye development. Found in fish (choose low-mercury options) or supplements.
- Protein: Increased needs for fetal growth. Aim for 75-100 grams daily.
Avoid raw fish, unpasteurized dairy, deli meats, and excessive caffeine. Consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance.