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Conception CalculatorPregnancy Term &
Due Date
Pregnancy is a period of about 9 months during which a woman's offspring develops inside her. Childbirth usually occurs around 38 weeks after conception or 40 weeks after the last menstrual period. The World Health Organization defines a normal pregnancy term between 37 to 42 weeks.
Due date can be estimated by the doctor based on sonogram or last menstrual period, but the actual length of pregnancy depends on various factors and can vary. Studies have shown that only 4% of births occur on the exact due date, 60% within a week of the due date, and almost 90% within two weeks of the due date.
Pregnancy Detection
Pregnancy can be detected by using pregnancy tests or by noticing symptoms like missed menstrual period, increased basal body temperature, fatigue, nausea, and increased frequency of urination. The pregnancy tests detect hormones that serve as biomarkers for pregnancy, including clinical blood or urine tests that can detect pregnancy from six to eight days after fertilization.
Clinical blood tests are more accurate and can detect hCG earlier and in smaller quantities than home pregnancy urine tests, but they are more expensive and take longer to evaluate. Clinical urine tests are not necessarily more accurate than home pregnancy tests and can be more costly.
Pregnancy Management
There are a number of factors that need to be considered during pregnancy, many of which are highly dependent on the individual's situation, such as medication, weight gain, exercise, and nutrition.
Medication
Taking certain medications during pregnancy can have lasting effects on the fetus, and it is important for pregnant individuals to consult with their doctor about any medications they plan to use during pregnancy.
Weight gain
Weight gain is a necessary aspect of pregnancy that varies between people, and can affect many aspects of fetal development, it is important to consider weight management during pregnancy as insufficient or excessive weight gain can have negative effects for both mother and fetus.
Exercise
Regular aerobic exercise may benefit pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancies, but it's important to consult with a doctor and stop if experiencing any discomfort or symptoms.
Nutrition
Nutrition during pregnancy is important for the health of the mother and baby, pregnant women should consult their doctor or dietitian to determine the best course of action to meet the specific micronutrient requirements for proper fetal development.
- Jukic, AM, Baird, DD, Weinberg, CR, et al. 2013. "Length of human pregnancy and contributors to its natural variation. Human Reproduction 28(10): 2848-55. PMC3777570.
- Moore, Keith. 2015. "How accurate are 'due dates'?" BBC, February 3, 2015. www.bbc.com/news/magazine-31046144.
- Institute of Medicine. 2009. "Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Reexamining the Guidelines." National Academies Press.
- Davies, GA, Wolfe, LA, Mottola, MF, et al. 2003. "Exercise in pregnancy and the postpartum period." Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 25(6): 516-29.
- Artal, R., O'Toole, M. 2003. "Guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period." British Journal of Sports Medicine 37: 6-12. doi:10.1136/bjsm.37.1.6
- Lammi-Keefe, CJ, Couch, SC, Philipson, E. 2008. "Handbook of Nutrition and Pregnancy." Humana Press.