The Myth of the EDD: Why Your Due Date May Not Be When You Think

Ivanna — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 05:03:00 GMT

My first child was 2 weeks "early", my second was supposedly 1 day "overdue" and my third was nearly a week and a half "overdue" to the point that I would have been induced had I not gone into labor that weekend (my inducement would have occurred that following Monday for fear of baby getting too big, umbilical cord wrapping, etc). So prior to that cut off date, I politely insisted to my doctor that unless there was a medical need or signs that my baby was under duress, I did not want to be induced and preferred to go into labor naturally. And in hindsight, I am glad I did because my baby did arrive safely on her own time. But future moms out there, especially first time moms...rest assured that the estimated due date (EDD) is not necessarily when you think. It is an estimate at best based on length of cycle and first day of last period. The wrench is the calculation is usually the length of cycle that can range from 28-35+ days for some women. So in reality, there is possibly a window of nearly 7 days or more by which your due date can be off. Below is a wonderful article regarding this very subject that makes many expectant moms antsy. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1047180/the_lie_of_the_edd_why_your_due_date.html?cat=25

So if you're approaching your due date, take a deep breath, talk with your doctor/midwife and understand all your options before you rush into anything! :)

Notes From Ivanna : inducement, due dates

The Myth of the EDD: Why Your Due Date May Not Be When You Think