Pregnancy Calculator

Note: This is an estimate and not a substitute for medical advice.

Pregnancy Term & Due Date

Pregnancy refers to the period of about nine months during which a baby develops inside a woman’s body. On average, childbirth occurs around 38 weeks after conception or approximately 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a normal pregnancy can last between 37 and 42 weeks.

During the first OB-GYN visit, doctors often estimate the due date through a sonogram or by calculating from the LMP. While this gives an approximate timeline, the actual length of pregnancy varies depending on factors such as maternal age, past pregnancy lengths, and even the mother’s birth weight.

Research shows that fewer than 4% of babies are born exactly on their due date, about 60% arrive within one week, and nearly 90% within two weeks of the expected date. Therefore, while the due date is a reliable guide, it’s not possible to predict the exact day of birth.

Pregnancy Detection

Pregnancy can be confirmed either through tests or by noticing common symptoms such as a missed period, nausea, fatigue, frequent urination, or an increase in basal body temperature.

Pregnancy tests detect hormones like hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which are only present during pregnancy.
Clinical blood tests are the most accurate, detecting smaller amounts of hCG as early as 6–8 days after fertilization.
Urine tests (both at home and in clinics) are simpler and faster, though slightly less sensitive than blood tests.

Pregnancy Management

Every pregnancy is unique, and management depends on individual health and circumstances. Key factors to consider include medications, weight gain, exercise, and nutrition.

Medications

Certain medicines can affect fetal development. The FDA classifies drugs into categories A, B, C, D, and X based on their risks vs. benefits.

Category A: Generally safe for both mother and baby.
Category X: Known risks outweigh any potential benefits.
Always consult a healthcare professional before taking medication during pregnancy.

Weight Gain

Weight gain is a natural and important part of pregnancy, contributing to the baby’s growth, placenta, extra blood volume, and nutrient stores. However, too little or too much weight gain can create complications such as gestational hypertension or the need for a C-section.

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends:

Underweight (BMI < 18.5): 28–40 lbs (12–18 kg)
Normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9): 25–35 lbs (11–16 kg)
Overweight (BMI 25–29.9): 15–25 lbs (7–11 kg)
Obese (BMI ≥ 30): 11–20 lbs (5–9 kg)

Our Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator can help track progress based on these guidelines.

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