When the pregnancy is confirmed, the most common method used by medical professional is a method founded by Dr. Naegele. This calculation is said to be the most precise ever found. It is based on the fact that menstrual cycle of most women is for 28 days. During this period the ovulation period is for 14 days. The exact formula is as follows:
Date of last known period + 7days-3 calendar months = Pregnancy due date.
The only fault of this method is that the calculation of due date does not take into account the number of women having irregular menstruation cycle. So it is better to add or subtract a week in case this method is used. As one approaches the due date, there are several things to be prepared for the big day. The amount of activities that puts strain on the body should be reduced. The only exercise that should be done are breathing and stretching exercise. These exercises are devised to reduce pain during labor.
The most frustrating time for mothers expecting is the third trimester. During this time one may feel like the last few miles of a long journey the finishing line of which is constantly increasing. One should be mentally strong and should not be unduly worried about the due date. As the due date for pregnancy approaches it is necessary to be organized and prepared. There should be a lot of research about what one should be expecting during delivery. Some people may have attended several classes about breathing techniques that should be applied at this time.
The due date can be best known if a woman knows the ovulation date. However the problem is that most of the women do not know the ovulation date and so the basis of calculating the due date should be on the last menstrual period. However there may be variations in different people. Fifteen days should be added to the due date in case of Caucasian mothers who does not have children. In case of mothers having children ten days should be added. Women of African-American and Asian origin usually have a gestation period and eight days should be added to the due date. Due date also varies according to the quality of care by a fetus gets. The development of heart and lungs should also be considered while predicting the due date. Care should be given when the mother feels the first signs of movements and the size of uterus. Thus, once a woman is pregnant she should assume that the birth of the baby will take place within two weeks before or after the due date predicted.
