How to calculate the probable date of birth

When a woman confirms that she is pregnant, usually one of her first concerns is knowing when the baby will be born. Although only 5% of babies are born on the date of birth indicated by the calendar, it is worthwhile to get an idea, even if it is approximate.

Pregnancy is counted by weeks, so some people consider that instead of talking about a specific day as the expected date of birth, it made more sense to establish a certain week.

Formula to calculate the probable birth date

The first thing to consider is the duration of a pregnancy: 40 weeks, or, which is the same, 280 days. This period of time is counted from the first day of the last menstruation. If the fertilization of the ovule is evaluated, the pregnancy lasts 38 weeks. However, since it is difficult to know exactly when fertilization took place, the first day of the last menstruation is taken into account.

There is a very simple formula through which you can know the probable date of delivery; It is known as Nagele's Rule and is taken into account by pregnant women, and even gynecologists, from all over the world. You just have to subtract three months and add a total of seven days to the first day of the last menstruation; thus, the result is that probable date of birth.

Below is a simple example of how this calculation is performed. If a woman has her last rule on April 13, we have to subtract three months and add seven days to this date; therefore, the probable date of delivery is January 20.

As noted, pregnancy is measured by weeks; therefore, it is considered that gestation has come to an end between weeks 38 and 42; therefore, the range is nothing more and nothing less than four weeks in which the baby can be born.

It is worth doing the calculation following Nagele's rule to know the probable date of delivery. Although there are very few babies born that day, it's fine to get a slight idea. However, who determines the specific gestational age is the gynecologist after performing the first ultrasound, which takes the measurements of the fetus.

Symptoms of childbirth

As we already mentioned in the article about Am I in labor? Symptoms that indicate that labor is approaching, it is said that when a woman is in labor, she knows it. However, it never hurts to know the symptoms that indicate that the birth of the baby is imminent. They are the following:

Contractions: One of the warning signs that is repeated in almost all cases is that the contractions are stronger and, moreover, happen more frequently, between 10 and 20 minutes approximately. Contractions increase progressively in both duration and intensity.
Mucous plug: another of the symptoms that indicate that it is going to begin the childbirth is the expulsion of the mucous plug; It is a small amount of mucus that is quite thick, which during pregnancy has remained sealed in the cervix.
Breakage of the water source: It is the most well-known symptom of all, and it occurs absolutely in all pregnant women. It occurs when the amniotic sac breaks, which is filled with fluid that covers the baby. This fluid is eliminated through the vagina and is the main indicator that the baby is about to be born.

These are the indications that are worth taking into account during pregnancy; It is very important to know how to detect the symptoms that labor is imminent. Regarding the probable date of delivery, it is important to take it as it is; a probable date. Therefore, if it comes, and even spend a few more days, and the baby has not been born yet, do not lose your cool. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesGiving birth