Recently found out you’re pregnant? Congratulations! There is so much to celebrate when growing a new life.
There is also a ton to figure out! Today we’ll figure one thing out together: how to calculate your due date.
The most common method for calculating your due date is by LMP, or last menstrual period. A typical pregnancy is about 40 weeks long, so you can add 40 weeks to the first day of your last period.
- For example, if your last period was on January 1, your estimated due date would be October 8.
But you don’t have to do this by hand! There are tons of online due date calculators:
These calculators can be even more helpful than calculating by hand, as they allow you to give an average cycle length, more accurately predicting your due date from the time you ovulated.
Quick tip: While your follicular phase can vary in length, your luteal phase is typically right around two weeks long. Providing an average cycle length allows the calculator to estimate your ovulation date!
You’ll see how your baby is measuring at your first ultrasound, confirming or shifting your due date.
The Pregnancy Network offers free, limited-obstetrical ultrasounds that confirm viability, location, and gestational age.
Adrienne Bergmeier
Adrienne Bergmeier is a Communications Coordinator at The Pregnancy Network.