how much does EDD matter?

huntjul · February 2013

If I date my pregnancy by my LMP as most providers do, I would be due October 5th. However, I know when I ovulated (OPKs and BBT with a clear temperature shift), and if I date by ovulation, I'm due October 8th.

I know that seems like such a little difference, but I worry, what if I end up going past my "due date" (if I use LMP) and end up having to be induced (which I don't want) when I'm really not past my due date? I haven't been to my doctor yet, but I don't think I'll have a dating ultrasound since I don't really have a reason to. When I go in, should I give them my LMP or should I adjust it so that the date is October 8th like I know it should be?

ClaireOtoms · February 2013

IME, it's not worth the fight. With my last pregnancy my midwife overlooked my O date (I charted) and then they changed my due date twice because of ultrasounds. Confused

EDD is just a "guess date" anyway, and as long as YOU know that you're not overdue, then it doesn't really matter what it says on their charts.

tokenhoser · February 2013

I'd just move your LMP forward 3 days if you know when you ovulated. That's what I did - only it was 11 days, so it definitely mattered. My NT scan matched my date exactly. 3 days could make it or break it at the end; stack the deck in your favour with a white lie.

It DOES matter what their date is - that's what they'll be pushing an induction on if it comes to that.

nosoup4u · February 2013

Find a provider who won't induced at 40 weeks. Three days isn't a huge deal, I would just make sure they also know you are certain when you ovulated.

ETA: I would opt for a dating ultrasound, as it's good to have confirmation in the beginning if you do go overdue at the end.

tokenhoser · February 2013

My provider induces at 42 weeks... but I still want my full 42 weeks, not 42 weeks less 3 (or 11) days.

amandaleigh1 · February 2013

tokenhoser:
My provider induces at 42 weeks... but I still want my full 42 weeks, not 42 weeks less 3 or 11 days.

This! It does matter. I would do the dating ultrasound bc those are pretty accurate if they won't go by your chart.

katiebenes · February 2013

1. you have to be farther past due date. (I've never seen someone induced three days after... I've seen people I know give birth at 41 42 weeks.)

2. once you do your ultrasound (even if it is the one at 16-20 weeks), they give you the ACTUAL due date they will use. they do this by measuring fetal growth

I'm sure its going to be fine

alanap · February 2013

This!

amarissa85 · February 2013

The couple of days are really not that big of a deal. My practice has a rule that it has to be off by more than a week before they will change it. It really has no bearing on when baby is going to come anyway just gives you an idea of when to expect.

ETA: For induction purposes this may make a difference but once you have an u/s that will give you a better idea of your due date but even those can be off by 2-3 days and are not perfect.

tokenhoser · February 2013

katiebenes:
2. once you do your ultrasound (even if it is the one at 16-20 weeks), they give you the ACTUAL due date they will use. they do this by measuring fetal growth

Anatomy u/s are not accurate to the day. Maybe to the week at that point. A dating u/s at 6 weeks can get within 2-3 days, but if someone is changing a due date (especially earlier) from an anatomy scan, it's bad news.

pdilly2b · February 2013

tokenhoser:
I'd just move your LMP forward 3 days if you know when you ovulated. That's what I did - only it was 11 days, so it definitely mattered. My NT scan matched my date exactly. 3 days could make it or break it at the end; stack the deck in your favour with a white lie.
It DOES matter what their date is - that's what they'll be pushing an induction on if it comes to that.

I'd do this. 3 days can make a huge difference when you're up against a doctor's induction policy.

NydaP · February 2013

katiebenes:
1. you have to be farther past due date. (I've never seen someone induced three days after... I've seen people I know give birth at 41 42 weeks.)
2. once you do your ultrasound (even if it is the one at 16-20 weeks), they give you the ACTUAL due date they will use. they do this by measuring fetal growth

I'm sure its going to be fine

My SIL's doctor tried to schedule her induction date at her 38 week appointment. She delayed and fought and finally agreed to be induced the day she turned 42 weeks. Fortunately, she went into labor on her own the morning of the induction. Those few days do matter.

OP, I think it's safest to err on the side of caution by adding the 3 days to your LMP, just in case.

crunchylove77 · February 2013

Just keep in mind, they can recommend an induction all they want, but in the end, it's your decision. You still have plenty of time, so make sure you find the provider who meshes up best with your desires.

resilient61 · February 2013

Go with the later date. My doc tried to give me an earlier EDD with DS2 for no good reason, and I had already calculated it & caught him. I insisted on the later date because I delivered DS1 naturally 9 days past his EDD and the pressure to induce was strong. I finally agreed to an induction on day 9, but thankfully I went into labor 7hrs before the appointment to induce! I'm so glad I did, and knowing I carried DS1 so long, I wanted all the days I was allowed!

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