Find out your estimated due date in seconds using our Pregnancy Due Date Calculator! Enter your last period date, conception date, ultrasound date, or IVF transfer date and we’ll help you track your pregnancy journey. This tool is based on medical guidelines and gives you an approximate estimate of when your little one will be born.
Pregnancy is the time, generally about nine (9) months, during which a baby grows inside the mother’s body. Most babies are born around 38 weeks after conception, or about 40 weeks if you count from the first day of the last period. Medical guidelines say a normal pregnancy lasts between 37 and 42 weeks.
When you visit your OB-GYN for the first time, the doctor will probably do an ultrasound to give you an estimated due date – that’s the day your baby is likely to be born. If an ultrasound isn’t done, the due date is usually figured out based on your last menstrual period.
It’s important to understand that this date is just an estimate. The exact length of pregnancy can change depending on many things, like the mother’s age, previous pregnancy lengths, and her birth weight. Studies tell us that very few babies – less than 4% – actually arrive on the exact due date. About 60% come within a week before or after that date, and nearly 90% are born within two weeks of the expected day. So, while your due date helps plan and prepare, the baby may come a little earlier or later, and that’s perfectly normal.
Pregnancy can be identified in two main ways – either through certain physical signs or with a pregnancy test. Often, women notice early changes in their bodies like a missed period, feeling more tired than usual, nausea, frequent urination, or a slight rise in body temperature.
For confirmation, a pregnancy test is the most reliable method. These tests check for a specific hormone called hCG, which your body starts to produce shortly after the embryo attaches to the uterus. Blood tests done in a medical setting can detect this hormone as early as 6 to 8 days after fertilization. These tests are very precise and can measure the exact level of hCG in your system—but they may take longer to get results and are usually more costly than home test kits.
Home pregnancy tests, which use urine, are widely available and offer quick results. While they’re generally accurate if used correctly, blood tests are more sensitive and can detect pregnancy a bit earlier. There are also clinical urine tests, but they’re not necessarily more accurate than over-the-counter ones and might be more expensive.
Every pregnancy is unique, and managing it well means paying attention to your body’s changing needs. Things like medications, weight gain, physical activity, and proper nutrition all play a role in keeping both you and your baby healthy throughout this journey.
Medications: Talk Before You Take
Not all medications are safe to use during pregnancy. Some can affect your baby’s development, even in early stages. In the U.S., medications are sorted into categories (A, B, C, D, and X) based on how safe they are for use during pregnancy. Category A drugs are considered the safest, while category X drugs should be completely avoided because the risks far outweigh any benefits. Always talk to your doctor before starting, continuing, or stopping any medication while pregnant – even if it’s something over the counter.
Weight Gain: It’s About Balance
Gaining weight during pregnancy is natural—and necessary. It supports your baby’s growth, the development of the placenta, extra fluids, and nutritional reserves. But gaining too much or too little weight can increase health risks, like high blood pressure or the need for a C-section.
The recommended weight gain depends on your pre-pregnancy BMI (body mass index):
Every body is different, so your doctor can help set a healthy target weight range just for you.
Exercise: Stay Active, Stay Safe
Staying active during pregnancy can help you feel better, sleep more soundly, and may even reduce the chances of complications like a C-section. If you were exercising before pregnancy, you can usually continue—just be mindful of how your body feels.
Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are great choices. For most women with uncomplicated pregnancies, moderate aerobic exercise is safe. However, you should stop and contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
When in hesitation or doubt, please always check with your OB-GYN before starting or changing your workout routine.
Nutrition: Fueling for Two (Wisely!)
Your nutritional needs shift during pregnancy, and what you eat has a direct impact on your baby’s growth and development. Along with eating a variety of healthy foods, your doctor may recommend specific nutrients:
Because every pregnancy is different, it’s smart to get personalized advice. Speak with your doctor or a registered dietitian about a meal plan that supports your individual needs—and don’t stress about every single food rule you read online. Your care team is there to guide you.
