Pregnancy Calculator: Weeks Pregnant
Calculate your current gestational age based on your Last Menstrual Period (LMP).
Your Estimated Gestational Age:
— weeks and — days
(Based on a standard 280-day gestation period)
Understanding How Pregnancy Weeks Are Calculated
Pregnancy dating is a crucial part of prenatal care, helping healthcare providers estimate your baby's development, schedule important tests, and determine your estimated due date (EDD). The most common method used by doctors and midwives is the Naegele's rule, which calculates gestational age based on the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP).
This method assumes a standard pregnancy length of 40 weeks (280 days) from the first day of your LMP, which is considered "full term." While conception typically occurs about two weeks after your LMP, the 40-week count starts from the beginning of your period.
The calculation is straightforward:
- Duration of Pregnancy: A full-term pregnancy is considered 40 weeks and 0 days (or 280 days) from the first day of your LMP.
- Current Date vs. LMP: The difference in days between the current date and the first day of your LMP is calculated.
- Weeks and Days: This total number of days is then divided by 7 to determine the number of full weeks. The remainder represents the additional days.
For example, if your LMP was on January 1st, 2024, and today's date is January 22nd, 2024:
- The difference is 21 days.
- 21 days / 7 days/week = 3 weeks and 0 days. So, you would be 3 weeks pregnant.
Our calculator uses this standard method to provide an estimate of your current gestational age.
Why is This Calculation Important?
Knowing your estimated gestational age is vital for several reasons:
- Monitoring Fetal Development: Gestational age helps track your baby's growth and development milestones against what's expected at each stage.
- Prenatal Appointments: It guides the timing of your doctor's visits and recommended screenings (like ultrasounds, blood tests, and genetic screenings).
- Estimating Due Date: While not always exact, the 40-week mark from your LMP provides a general timeframe for your baby's arrival.
- Preparation: It allows you to prepare for labor and delivery.