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Basic InformationMore InformationLatest NewsGenes May Boost Woman's Risk of Postpartum DepressionLiving Near Major Roadways in Pregnancy Tied to Respiratory Woes in ChildrenEven Mild Iodine Deficiency Can Affect Child's CognitionHealth Tip: Keep Teeth Healthy During PregnancyFor Pregnant Smokers, Vitamin C Might Help Babies' LungsSynthetic Pot Use Can Mimic Symptoms of Prenatal DisorderHealth Tip: Taking a Birthing ClassFDA Warns Pregnant Women About Migraine DrugsHospitals Enact Policies to Curb Early ChildbirthFlame-Retardant Chemicals Could Be Toxic to KidsKeep Beauty Regimen Safe During Pregnancy, Doctor AdvisesPediatrician Group Issues Home Birth Policy StatementUltrasound Best Detector of Dangerous Ectopic Pregnancies, Study FindsLow-Carb Diet Doesn't Improve Gestational Diabetes OutcomesHealth Tip: Ease Leg Cramps During PregnancyFish Oil Has No Effect on Depression in PregnancyEstrogen Level in Pregnancy May Affect Breast Cancer Risk in DaughtersDiclegis Approved for Morning SicknessHospitals Work to Reduce Unnecessary Early BirthsSmog Exposure During Pregnancy Might Raise Child's Cancer Risk: StudyIntegrated Model Can Predict Preeclampsia in First TrimesterRepeat Births by Teen Girls Still Too High: CDCStudy Pinpoints Women at Risk for Blood Clots From PregnancyPregnant Women Under Stress May Be at Higher Risk for StillbirthRubella in Pregnancy Rare in U.S., But Can Be Devastating for BabyVitamin D Important During Pregnancy, Study SuggestsWorking While Pregnant Won't Harm the Baby, Study FindsStress During Pregnancy May Raise Heart Defect Risk for BabyHypospadias Not Related to Organic Diet During PregnancyStudy: Antidepressant Use in Pregnancy May Not Affect Baby's GrowthMeth in Pregnancy May Blunt Child's Reaction to Stress: StudyHealth Tip: Enjoy Safe Exercise During PregnancyVitamin D Levels in Pregnancy May Not Affect Kids' Future Bone HealthKey Variables Examined in Gestational Diabetes AdvanceEctopic Pregnancy Treatments Have Similar Effects on FertilityHeavier Pregnant Women May Face Higher C-Section RiskCombo Treatment Might Beat Epidural to Ease Labor: StudyHealth Tip: Experiencing Nosebleeds During Pregnancy?Postpartum Anxiety More Common Than DepressionC-Section Rates Vary Widely at U.S. HospitalsHealth Tip: Coping With Itching During PregnancyNo Risks to Pregnancy Seen With Morning Sickness DrugU.S. Teen Birth Rates Highest in Rural Areas, Research ShowsTeen Pregnancy-Prevention Program Works, Study SaysFetal Heart May Develop Later in Pregnancy Than ThoughtBrains of Fetuses 'Build a Bridge' Between Regions, Images ShowToo Much Coffee in Pregnancy Tied to Smaller, Later Newborns, Study SaysProgesterone Shots May Not Prevent Preterm Birth of Twins: StudyRed Meat Intake May Raise Risk of Gestational DiabetesFolic Acid in Pregnancy May Lower Autism Risk Questions and AnswersLinksBook Reviews |
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Due Dates and Prenatal CareJessica Evert, MDOne of the first questions a pregnant woman hears is "when are you due?" (meaning "when are you expected to give birth?"). Because every woman is different and because it is often difficult to determine the actual date on which conception occurred, a due date is often an educated estimate.
Doctors have several methods for calculating your due date. The popular "Naegle's Rule" estimate is calculated by counting back three months from the first day of your last period, and then adding seven days. Many web sites offer calculators that automate the process of predicting your due date, based on the date of your last menstrual period. Keep in mind that while a normal pregnancy usually lasts between 38 and 42 weeks, these calculators are often set up to predict a pregnancy of 40 weeks (or the average between these expected extremes). Your own actual due date will happen when it happens, despite the best efforts of calculators everywhere.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care (medical care delivered before you give birth) is important for the health of both mother and baby. This medical care can begin before you are actually pregnant. However, it really must begin as soon as you know you are pregnant in order to help insure that you have a healthy pregnancy. During your first prenatal care visit, your doctor will gather information about your disease history, personal habits (alcohol and drug use, exercise habits, the type of work that you do, etc.), family history (of multiple births, diseases, complicated pregnancy in close relatives, etc.), and any previous pregnancies, miscarriages, and/or abortions you may have had. It is also important that you share any complications that you may have experienced during previous pregnancies. As part of the initial exam, your doctor may perform an ultrasound test, and or blood tests. A pelvic exam is also sometimes performed.
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