One of the first questions a pregnant woman hears is "when are you
due?" (meaning "when are you expected to give birth?"). Because every
woman is different and because it is often difficult to determine the
actual date on which conception occurred, a due date is often an
educated estimate.
Doctors have several methods for calculating your due date. The popular
"Naegle's Rule" estimate is calculated by counting back three months
from the first day of your last period, and then adding seven days.
Many web sites offer calculators that automate the process of
predicting your due date, based on the date of your last menstrual
period. Keep in mind that while a normal pregnancy usually lasts
between 38 and 42 weeks, these calculators are often set up to predict
a pregnancy of 40 weeks (or the average between these expected
extremes). Your own actual due date will happen when it happens,
despite the best efforts of calculators everywhere.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care (medical care delivered before you give birth) is
important for the health of both mother and baby. This medical care can
begin before you are actually pregnant. However, it really must begin
as soon as you know you are pregnant in order to help insure that you
have a healthy pregnancy. During your first prenatal care visit, your
doctor will gather information about your disease history, personal
habits (alcohol and drug use, exercise habits, the type of work that
you do, etc.), family history (of multiple births, diseases,
complicated pregnancy in close relatives, etc.), and any previous
pregnancies, miscarriages, and/or abortions you may have had. It is
also important that you share any complications that you may have
experienced during previous pregnancies. As part of the initial exam,
your doctor may perform an ultrasound test, and or blood tests. A
pelvic exam is also sometimes performed.
