The very first question inside a pregnant woman's mind is her estimated date of delivery. Usually a full term pregnancy takes about 40 weeks plus or minus a few weeks.
How to get a pregnancy calendar due date calculation
There are offline calculators or predictors available from doctors and pharmacies. In this internet era, online pregnancy calculator is widely available. To be accurate, you would be asked to enter your day count from your last menstrual period and NOT the conception date. Then you will be asked to enter you cycle of periods which is by default 28 days. The calendar can then calculate the expected due date.
If you are unsure of the date your last period or your conception date, your doctors could do an ultrasound scan during the first trimester to determine or estimate your due date.
Factors that can trigger a birth before due date
37 weeks of pregnancy is considered a full term. If your baby is born before 37 weeks then it is called a premature birth. The exact cause of early birth is medically unclear. However many doctors believe that nutrition, eating habits and cervical incompetence are closely linked to early childbirth.
Late birth
Up to more than 75% of mothers give birth well past 37 weeks. Usually childbirth will occur within 38 to 42 weeks. Statistics show that first time mothers tend to have their babies well past the estimated due date. From week 40 to 42 the risk is smaller but anything over 42 weeks is cause for concern. Worst case scenario is perinatal death. However, do not be overly worried and your doctors will advise you accordingly if your pregnancy is well past 42 weeks. Majority of late birth babies are perfectly healthy and with modern medical advances, your doctor can help make the best decision for you as to your safe timing of delivery.
Corinna David writes regularly in the internet and one of her favourite topics is about pregnancy. So come visit her latest website http://gettingpregnanttips.info for more exciting getting pregnant tips. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Corinna_David |
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