How Does a Pregnancy Due Date Calculator Work?

Our calculator uses Naegele’s Rule — the standard clinical method used by doctors worldwide. It adds 280 days (40 weeks) to the first day of your last menstrual period, then adjusts for your cycle length.

• Last Menstrual Period (LMP) — The starting point for all pregnancy calculations, even though conception happens ~2 weeks later
• Cycle Length Adjustment — Longer cycles push the due date later; shorter cycles bring it earlier
• Ultrasound Dating — More accurate than LMP, especially if cycles are irregular. Your doctor may adjust the date after your first scan
• IVF Pregnancies — Use embryo transfer date + 266 days for most accurate calculation

Your Pregnancy Week by Week — Complete Guide for Indian Moms

Pregnancy is a 40-week journey divided into three trimesters. Here is what to expect at each stage — from the first signs of pregnancy to preparing for your baby’s arrival in India.

First Trimester (Weeks 1–12): Early Signs & Symptoms

The most critical development period. Your baby grows from a single cell to a fully formed fetus. Common symptoms include nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness, and frequent urination. In India, many moms experience strong food aversions to spicy or oily food during this phase.

• Week 6–8: Baby’s heartbeat detectable via ultrasound
• Week 10: Baby officially becomes a fetus
• Week 12: First trimester screening — nuchal translucency scan recommended
• Start folic acid 400–800 mcg daily if not already taking
• Book your first OB-GYN visit as early as possible

Second Trimester (Weeks 13–26): Baby’s Growth & First Kicks

Most moms feel much better — nausea fades and energy returns. You will feel baby’s first movements (quickening) between weeks 18–22. Your baby grows from a peach to an ear of corn!

• Week 18–20: Anomaly scan (Level 2 ultrasound) — most important scan
• Week 24: Glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes screening
• Start sleeping on your left side for better blood flow to baby

Third Trimester (Weeks 27–40): Birth Preparation

The home stretch! Baby is gaining weight rapidly and preparing for life outside the womb. Time to finalize your birth plan and pack your hospital bag. In India, many families also begin planning the naamkaran and other ceremonies.

• Week 32–34: Baby settles into head-down position
• Week 36: Weekly prenatal visits begin
• Week 37: Early term — lungs nearly mature
• Week 40: Full term — baby can arrive any day from Week 37–42

Complete Hospital Bag Checklist for Indian Moms

Pack your hospital bag by Week 36. Here is a complete checklist tailored for Indian hospitals. Click each item to check it off as you pack!

💡 Want a beautifully designed printable version of this checklist + 40 more pages? Download our Pregnancy Journal & Guide — $7.99 →

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy in India

🍏 Nutrition

Focus on folate-rich foods (dal, leafy greens, fortified cereals), iron (spinach, jaggery, meat), calcium (milk, curd, ragi), and protein (eggs, lentils, paneer). Avoid raw papaya, excessive vitamin A, and unpasteurized dairy. Take prenatal vitamins as prescribed by your doctor.

🏃 Exercise

Yoga, walking, and swimming are safe and beneficial during pregnancy. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity most days. Avoid heavy lifting, contact sports, and lying flat on your back after the first trimester. Always check with your OB-GYN before starting any new exercise.

🩺 Prenatal Care Checklist

• First visit: As soon as you get a positive test — ideally before Week 8
• Week 11–13: NT scan + blood tests (First trimester screening)
• Week 18–20: Anomaly scan (most critical ultrasound)
• Week 24–28: Glucose tolerance test (gestational diabetes)
• Week 28 onwards: Monthly visits, then fortnightly, then weekly from Week 36

Pregnancy Due Date Calculator — Frequently Asked Questions

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