More correct due date if calculator takes into account number of days in cycle?

buggles

So, depending on the calculator I use, my due date will either vary between one date or the two days later where in the former it takes into account the exact length of your cycle or for the latter it will just assume a 28 day cycle.

I'm guessing that medical professionals use the latter... no?

So, is my "true" estimation of when the baby's ready dependent on the exact number of days in my menstrual cycle? In which case (although it doesn't make much difference) I guess I can just go with that one.

PinkGrapefuit

Just go by the first day of your last period. If you don't know when you actually ovulated, it really doesn't matter if your period is 30 days instead of 28 (or whatever it is). Your doc/ob will tell you your official due date when you see them. 

susanlovestexas

Only 5% of babies are born ON their actual due date.  It's just an estimation.  Varying by 2 days won't make any difference in the long run.

Nani0710

susanlovestexas:

Only 5% of babies are born ON their actual due date.  It's just an estimation.  Varying by 2 days won't make any difference in the long run.

 

Correct and first time mama's usually go into labor prior to their due date  

JuneBug0611

Just use LMP and then, if the u/s shows that date is 5+ days off, the doctor will change your due date to the date the ultrasound suggests. 

lynn97

Nani0710:

susanlovestexas:

Only 5% of babies are born ON their actual due date.  It's just an estimation.  Varying by 2 days won't make any difference in the long run.

 

Correct and first time mama's usually go into labor prior to their due date  

 

Really?? Everything I've read says that all women (1st time mommies included) are more likely to give birth AFTER their due date.

BetchySprout

Nani0710:

susanlovestexas:

Only 5% of babies are born ON their actual due date.  It's just an estimation.  Varying by 2 days won't make any difference in the long run.

 

Correct and first time mama's usually go into labor prior to their due date  

Ditto everything I have ever read has said after, including my mom's medical texts.  

ETA: Also, if she is a mom hoping for a VBAC, a day or two is HUGE in the long run. My doc won't allow me to go past 41 week, and those 2 days can make a huge difference. For your average primipara though, it does not really matter. 

LittleEgypt

Nani0710:

susanlovestexas:

Only 5% of babies are born ON their actual due date.  It's just an estimation.  Varying by 2 days won't make any difference in the long run.

 

Correct and first time mama's usually go into labor prior to their due date  

This is not true.

 

For the OP: Unless you have a history of very long cycles, or know when you ovulated, it won't help you. If you are having an early ultrasound (before 10 weeks), that should provide a pretty accurate date. Otherwise, there's no way to know whether you ovulated on day 14 or day 21, and yes it can make a difference. If your doctor insists that you are overdue and wants to induce you (or do a c-section), it will make a big difference to know that you are only 41 weeks and not 42. If you really feel uncertain, ask for a dating ultrasound.

lynsef

Nani0710:

susanlovestexas:

Only 5% of babies are born ON their actual due date.  It's just an estimation.  Varying by 2 days won't make any difference in the long run.

 

Correct and first time mama's usually go into labor prior to their due date  

Huh, says who?  Everyone is different, but on average most first time mom's go into labor late.

buggles

LittleEgypt:

For the OP: Unless you have a history of very long cycles, or know when you ovulated, it won't help you. If you are having an early ultrasound (before 10 weeks), that should provide a pretty accurate date. Otherwise, there's no way to know whether you ovulated on day 14 or day 21, and yes it can make a difference. If your doctor insists that you are overdue and wants to induce you (or do a c-section), it will make a big difference to know that you are only 41 weeks and not 42. If you really feel uncertain, ask for a dating ultrasound.

Makes plenty sense to me. Thank you!

asnowracer

JuneBug0611:

Just use LMP and then, if the u/s shows that date is 5+ days off, the doctor will change your due date to the date the ultrasound suggests. 

My LMP due date vs my O date is different by about 6 days and my doctor said exactly what this poster said. My us will be around what I think is 7 weeks and then he'll determine the EDD.