Pregnancy Timeline & Tracking

Pregnancy Due Date Calculator

Your Estimated Due Date (EDD) is the projected delivery date of your baby, calculated as 280 days (40 weeks) from the first day of your Last Menstrual Period (LMP). This calculator uses Naegele's Rule to estimate your delivery date, current gestational age, and likely conception date.

Accurate Gestational Age

Instantly see exactly how many weeks and days pregnant you are today.

Cycle Length Adjustment

Calculates your EDD accurately even if your menstrual cycle is longer or shorter than 28 days.

28days
Estimated Delivery Date (EDD)
Select your date
Please enter the first day of your last period
How Many Weeks Pregnant?
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Current Trimester
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Likely Conception Date
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Days Until Due Date
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Estimation tool only. Only 5% of babies are born on their exact due date. An early ultrasound (first trimester) provides the most accurate dating. If your cycle is highly irregular, consult an OB-GYN. Medical Disclaimer.
The Science of Pregnancy Dating

How Your Due Date is Calculated

Pregnancy dating is not an exact science, but a highly structured clinical estimate. Understanding how your Estimated Due Date (EDD) is determined—and why it might change after an ultrasound—helps you track your pregnancy milestones with confidence.

Key Takeaways
  • Naegele's Rule: The standard formula adds 280 days (40 weeks) to the first day of your Last Menstrual Period (LMP).
  • Ultrasound is More Accurate: A first-trimester ultrasound dating scan measures the fetus directly and can override the LMP estimate.
  • The 5% Rule: Only 5% of babies are born on their exact due date. A normal pregnancy lasts 37 to 42 weeks.

Naegele's Rule & LMP

This calculator uses Naegele's Rule, the historical standard for estimating gestational age. It assumes a perfect 28-day cycle with ovulation on Day 14. Because pregnancy is counted from your period, you aren't technically "pregnant" during the first two weeks.

What this means for you

If your cycles are longer than 28 days, your ovulation date—and thus your conception date—shifts forward. Our EDD Calculator adjusts for this, but an ultrasound will confirm.

Ultrasound vs. LMP Dating

An early ultrasound due date is the clinical gold standard. Between 8 and 13 weeks, the sonographer measures the Crown-Rump Length (CRL) of the fetus. Because babies grow at a highly predictable rate early on, this measurement is more accurate than a calendar.

What this means for you

If your ultrasound due date differs from your LMP due date by more than 5-7 days in the first trimester, your doctor will officially change your EDD to the ultrasound date.

The 40-Week Timeline

A full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks, but this is an average, not a deadline. Delivery date can safely occur anywhere between 37 weeks (early term) and 42 weeks (late term). Spontaneous labor is triggered by the baby, not the calendar.

What this means for you

Do not stress if you pass your due date. Most doctors will not induce labor until you reach 41 weeks, provided the baby's heartbeat and amniotic fluid levels are healthy.

Actionable Interpretation

Navigating Your Pregnancy Journey

Your due date is more than just a finish line; it dictates the timeline of your prenatal care. Knowing your gestational age ensures you get the right tests at the right time. Here is what to expect as you progress through your pregnancy week by week.

Quick Summary: Start folic acid immediately. Book your first dating ultrasound between 7 and 9 weeks. If you experience heavy bleeding or severe abdominal pain at any point, go to the emergency room immediately.

First Trimester

Weeks 1 - 13
Foundation & Implantation
(Fetal organ development)

This is the most critical phase for fetal development, as all major organs begin to form. You may experience fatigue, nausea (morning sickness), and breast tenderness. The risk of miscarriage drops significantly after week 12.

  • First Ultrasound: Book a dating scan between 7-9 weeks to confirm the heartbeat and calculate gestational age accurately.
  • Prenatal Vitamins: Take 400mcg of Folic Acid daily to prevent neural tube defects.
  • Avoid Toxins: Completely avoid alcohol, smoking, and raw fish/cheeses.

Second Trimester

Weeks 14 - 26
Growth & Anatomy
(Energy returns, movement begins)

Often called the "honeymoon phase" of pregnancy, nausea usually fades and energy returns. This is the time you will likely feel the baby's first movements (quickening) and your belly will visibly pop.

  • Anomaly Scan: Around 18-20 weeks, a detailed ultrasound checks the baby's organs and spine for pregnancy milestones.
  • Diabetes Screen: Between 24-28 weeks, you will take the Glucose Tolerance Test. Try our Gestational Diabetes Calculator to check your risk.
  • Sleep Position: Begin training yourself to sleep on your left side to optimize blood flow to the baby.

Third Trimester

Weeks 27 - 40+
Weight Gain & Labor Prep
(Monitoring kick counts)

The baby rapidly gains weight and matures its lungs. You may feel increased pelvic pressure, back pain, and Braxton Hicks (practice) contractions. This phase is about finalizing your birth plan and watching for labor signs.

  • Kick Counts: Daily monitor fetal movements. If you notice a sudden decrease, call your doctor immediately.
  • Group B Strep Test: Around 36 weeks, your OB will swab for GBS to determine if you need antibiotics during labor.
  • Hospital Bag: Pack your essentials by week 36, as baby arrival date can be unpredictable.

Know the Red Flags

While pregnancy is a natural process, certain symptoms require immediate medical evaluation. Go to the emergency room or call your OB-GYN immediately if you experience heavy vaginal bleeding, severe or persistent abdominal pain, sudden swelling in your face or hands (signs of preeclampsia), a sudden gush of fluid from the vagina, or if your baby stops moving entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Due Date Questions, Answered

Find clear, scientifically-backed answers to the most common questions about calculating your due date, gestational age, and what to expect as your pregnancy progresses.

Sources & References
1.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Methods for Estimating the Due Date. Committee Opinion No. 700. ACOG
2.
World Health Organization (WHO). WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience. WHO
3.
American Pregnancy Association (APA). Calculating Your Pregnancy Due Date and Gestational Age. APA
Your due date is an estimated delivery date, not a strict deadline. Only about 5% of babies are born on their exact due date. However, calculating your gestational age accurately is crucial for timing prenatal tests and monitoring fetal development. A normal, full-term pregnancy can safely result in delivery anywhere between 37 and 42 weeks.
This is very common. If your ultrasound due date (measured by Crown-Rump Length in the first trimester) differs from your LMP calculation by more than 5 to 7 days, your OB-GYN will officially change your Estimated Due Date (EDD) to the ultrasound date. This is because fetal growth in the first trimester is highly standardized, making the ultrasound more accurate than the calendar.
If you have irregular cycles, Naegele's Rule (which assumes a 28-day cycle) becomes inaccurate. In this case, your doctor will rely almost entirely on your first-trimester ultrasound to determine your gestational age. If you know your exact ovulation or conception date, you can add 266 days to it to find your due date.
Yes, going past your due date is perfectly normal. Up to 41 weeks is considered "late term" and is generally safe with close monitoring. However, once you reach 41 weeks, the risk of complications increases because the placenta begins to age and the amniotic fluid levels may drop. Most doctors will recommend inducing labor between 41 and 42 weeks.
Your due date should only be changed during the first trimester based on an ultrasound measurement. After 13 weeks, babies grow at different rates based on genetics and nutrition, so measuring larger or smaller on a second-trimester ultrasound does not mean your due date is wrong. If your doctor suggests changing your Estimated Delivery Date late in pregnancy, ask for a clear clinical reason or seek a second opinion from a maternal-fetal medicine specialist.
Medically Reviewed

Dr. Gouthaman R, MD

Community Medicine Specialist

Last Updated: July 2024 Medical Review: July 2024
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Medical Disclaimer: This Pregnancy Due Date Calculator is designed for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It relies on Naegele's Rule, a mathematical estimate based on your Last Menstrual Period (LMP), and may not be accurate for women with irregular cycles or those who conceived via IVF. A formal clinical dating by a first-trimester ultrasound is the gold standard. Always consult with a qualified obstetrician or maternal-fetal medicine specialist regarding your pregnancy timeline and prenatal care. Read our full medical disclaimer.