While it’s true that most pregnancies last 40 weeks, there are other factors at play which will determine your due date. Most expectant mothers don’t realize that both menstrual and ovulation periods count as the first two weeks of pregnancy. Many won’t be aware of their pregnancy until their first missed period, and by that time they could be up to five weeks in. That means that simply estimating nine months from the day you take a pregnancy test isn’t going to calculate your due date, and, even so, factoring in a few weeks here and there for ovulation won’t either.

Unless you can pinpoint exactly what point of your ovulation cycle you were in at the time of fertilization, it’s difficult to know how far along you are and what date you’ll meet your baby. Luckily, our Due Date Calculator can help.

Using both the date of your last period and the length of your regular cycle, or exact date of conception, our Due Date Calculator will quickly work out your estimated due date, tailoring it accordingly for longer, shorter, and average cycle lengths.

Once you’ve calculated your due date, you can get a better idea of when to expect your little one – and start to plan accordingly.

If you haven’t done so already, one of the first steps you should take is to schedule an appointment with your doctor, who can confirm that you’re pregnant with a blood test and physical exam, and also help you establish a more precise due date.

At each following prenatal care appointment, you’ll be examined to determine the size of your uterus, and to monitor your little one’s development. Pregnancy milestones such as hearing your baby’s first heartbeat and seeing your baby via ultrasound will be a thrilling part of these checkups. Along the way, depending on what is observed, your pregnancy due date may be adjusted.

While your doctor will be able to advise you best, there are still plenty of things you can do as soon as you discover you’re pregnant. Explore the rest of our site to find out more.