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How is a pregnancy due date calculated?

Short answer

The standard estimate adds 280 days (40 weeks) to the first day of the last menstrual period, an approach known as Naegele rule. It assumes a regular 28 day cycle, so it is an estimate and a care provider may adjust it with an ultrasound. A free due date calculator does the date math in your browser.

Naegele rule

The classic method, Naegele rule, adds 280 days to the first day of the last menstrual period, which is the same as counting back three months and adding seven days. It counts pregnancy from the last period rather than from conception, because the last period is a date most people can pin down, while the exact conception date usually is not.

Why it is only an estimate

The 280 day rule assumes a regular 28 day cycle with ovulation around day 14, so a longer or shorter cycle shifts the real date. Only about a small share of births actually land on the estimated day; most arrive in the weeks around it. A care provider often refines the estimate using an early ultrasound. This calculator does the date arithmetic; it is not medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

What date does the calculation start from?

The first day of the last menstrual period. The standard method adds 280 days, or 40 weeks, to that date.

Why is it based on my last period, not conception?

Because the last period is a date most people know precisely, while the exact conception date usually is not. The 40 week count is measured from the last period.

How accurate is the due date?

It is an estimate. Most babies arrive in the weeks around the date rather than exactly on it, and a provider may adjust it with an ultrasound.

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