Hi all, my due date is down for the 2nd June, which the doctors got from the size of my baby's head. They want to induce me this weds, and i feel very against this! I'm wanting a home-birth too. I'm almost certain they've got the date a week too early. They usually estimate 40 weeks from the date of last period (which would have been a week ago) but isnt that because women usually dont know the date of their conception? I know my date conception, so can i work my proper due date out 38 weeks from then, or is it 39 weeks? If it's 39 i'm only 3 days over due. Thanks, blessings, efia x
Hi, I thought it was 40 weeks like you say, but they give you 2 weeks either side (38 weeks - 42 weeks) because many women can't be sure of the conception date
Love Amy (ps congratulations) xx
Hi Efia
Gestation period is between 38-42 weeks because not every woman's body is the same. All three of mine were born at 42 weeks and the last one was shifted with a Madras.
Have a word with your midwife - I say "your" but really mean "a" midwife - about your concerns. You don't have to do what they say, but bear in mind that they may have reason to try to move things along ... or they could even be trying to be kind to you! Being pregnant in hot weather is torture! Lol!
Fx
And here's a link to all about it - gestation period is worked out from date of last period, not conception.
Fx
LOL! I had to laugh at your subject line for this thread "Is pregnancy 38 or 39 weeks from conception?" as I always thought pregnancy was from the point of conception. 😉
Hope everything goes as you want it.
All Love and Reiki Hugs
Hi Effia
Pregnancy is calculated as 40 weeks from the first day of the previous period. I was always 2 weeks overdue and they seemed the longest days of my life! And I know some who always delivered at 38 weeks, so it is different for each mother. So the 40 weeks is only a guideline. If the pregnancy goes over 42 weeks there is some concern for the foetus, though I have known safe delivery 3 weeks late, but the contents of the womb can start to deteriorate, so it is not considered safe to go over 42 weeks.
If you know the date of conception then it is likely to be 38 weeks of pregnancy.
Wishing you all the best and look forward to hearing of the safe delivery of your little one - so exciting!!
Thanks guys! Your replies have been really helpful. Yes the gestation time is only an estimate isnt it. I know the doctors+midwifes are being kind and helpful, but it does annoy me a bit that they make out it's wrong, even illegal to go over their estimation of the due date by 2 weeks. My health is good (touch wood) i'm mostly very relaxed, and i believe our bodies are amazing, and that babies come when they're ready! Thanks again anyway xxx and yeh cheers for pointing that out Mr.Giles, there's always one pedantic isnt there! Pah! 🙂