Pregnancy Calculator
Pregnancy Overview
Pregnancy Term & Due Date
Pregnancy refers to the period (~9 months) during which one or more offspring develops inside a person. Key points:
- Due Date Estimation:
- Typically 38 weeks after conception or 40 weeks after the last menstrual period.
- The WHO defines a normal term as 37–42 weeks.
- Estimated via ultrasound or menstrual history, but fewer than 4% of births occur on the exact due date; 60% occur within a week, and 90% within two weeks.
- Variability: Influenced by maternal age, prior pregnancy length, birth weight, and other poorly understood factors.
Pregnancy Detection
Methods:
- Self-Reported Symptoms:
- Missed periods, fatigue, nausea, frequent urination, elevated basal body temperature.
- Pregnancy Tests:
- Urine Tests: Affordable, home-use kits detect pregnancy hormones (hCG) 6–8 days after fertilization.
- Blood Tests: More accurate, measure exact hCG levels earlier but require clinical evaluation.
Pregnancy Management
1. Medication
- FDA Categories: Drugs are classified (A, B, C, D, X) based on fetal risk vs. maternal benefit.
- Category A: Safe (e.g., folic acid).
- Category X: High fetal risk (e.g., isotretinoin).
- Guidance: Consult a doctor before taking any medication.
2. Weight Gain
- Importance: Affects fetal development, placental health, and maternal outcomes (e.g., C-section risk).
- IOM Recommendations (by pre-pregnancy BMI):
- Underweight (BMI <18.5): 28–40 lbs
- Normal (BMI 18.5–24.9): 25–35 lbs
- Overweight (BMI 25–29.9): 15–25 lbs
- Obese (BMI ≥30): 11–20 lbs
3. Exercise
- Benefits: Improves fitness and may reduce C-section risk.
- Recommendations:
- Continue pre-pregnancy routines if uncomplicated.
- Avoid if experiencing: vaginal bleeding, dizziness, chest pain, or decreased fetal movement.
- Sources: ACOG supports exercise in uncomplicated pregnancies.
4. Nutrition
- Key Nutrients:
- Folic Acid (B9): Reduces neural tube defects.
- DHA Omega-3: Critical for brain/retinal development (obtained via placenta or breast milk).
- Guidance: Consult a dietitian for personalized plans.
Key Considerations
Medical Advice: Always consult healthcare providers for medication, exercise, and dietary changes.cale but overall wellness and healthy habits.
Due Date Uncertainty: Natural variation makes exact birth timing unpredictable.
