Estimated date of delivery (EDD) - Definition & Explanation for Mothers

Table of Contents

Definition

The Estimated Date of Delivery (EDD) is a term used in pregnancy to calculate and predict the likely date of birth of a baby. It is calculated from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period and not from the date of conception. The EDD is typically calculated to be 280 days (or 40 weeks) from the start of this last menstrual period.

Key Takeaways

Estimated Date of Delivery (EDD) is a term used in obstetrics to calculate the potential date when a woman is expected to give birth. This prediction relies on the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period or the date of conception.
The most common method used to determine the EDD is Naegele’s Rule, which adds 280 days (or 9 months and 7 days) to the first day of the woman’s last menstrual cycle. However, it may not be completely accurate, especially if the woman has irregular periods.
The EDD is not a guaranteed date of delivery, but only an estimate. Only a small percentage of women actually deliver on their EDD. It’s normal to give birth one to two weeks before or after the EDD.

Importance

The Estimated Date of Delivery (EDD), also known as the due date, is a crucial aspect of motherhood as it provides a rough idea to both healthcare professionals and the expecting parents when the baby is likely to be born.

This estimation allows for proper planning of prenatal and postnatal care, monitoring the baby’s growth and development, scheduling necessary medical interventions, and making necessary personal arrangements such as maternity leave or preparing for the baby’s arrival at home.

It also aids in the identification of preterm or overdue pregnancies, enabling proactive measures to ensure both the mother and baby’s health.

Consequently, knowing the EDD plays a significant role in supporting a healthy pregnancy and delivery process.

Explanation

The Estimated Date of Delivery, often abbreviated as EDD, is a crucial tool commonly used in pregnancy care and maternal health. The primary purpose of EDD is to provide a rough timeline for the preparation of both the expecting mother and her health care providers. It gives them an idea of when she will likely go into labor and helps anticipate the arrival of the baby.

This date aids medical professionals in monitoring the development and growth of the fetus, planning for any special care or precautions needed, and scheduling necessary medical examinations or procedures relevant to both the mother and the baby. Secondly, understanding the EDD plays an important role in determining the gestational age of the fetus. This will ultimately uncover whether the baby’s development is on track or not.

If a baby is born before the EDD, they might be classed as premature, which could suggest they might need additional medical care after birth. If the pregnancy continues past the EDD, the doctor might need to induce labor to avoid potential complications. Thus, the EDD serves as a critical guide in managing the health and welfare of both mother and baby throughout pregnancy.

Examples of Estimated date of delivery (EDD)

A Doctor’s Appointment: During her first prenatal visit, a pregnant woman typically receives an estimate of her due date, known as her estimated date of delivery (EDD). This date is estimated using the date of the woman’s last menstrual period and ultrasound findings, later confirmed or revised based on the progression of her pregnancy.

A Pregnancy Tracker App: These tools often indicate the EDD for users, which is calculated based on the last menstrual period. The apps may also update the EDD if the user inputs details from an ultrasound that suggest a different due date.

A Baby Shower Invitation: Often, baby shower invitations may disclose the expectant mother’s EDD so that attendees have an idea when the baby is due. This information can inform the timing of the shower and the type of gifts (e.g., clothes appropriate for the expected season of birth) attendees may decide to give.

FAQs on Estimated Date of Delivery (EDD)

1. What is the Estimated Date of Delivery (EDD)?

The Estimated Date of Delivery (EDD) is a prediction of when a pregnant woman is most likely to give birth. It is calculated from the first day of your last period or from an early pregnancy scan.

2. How is EDD calculated?

The most common way to calculate the EDD is by adding 280 days (or 40 weeks) to the first day of your last menstrual period. This method assumes that your menstrual cycle is 28 days long with ovulation happening on day 14.

3. How accurate is the EDD?

The EDD is only an estimate and the actual delivery date can be any time from 38 to 42 weeks of pregnancy. Only about four percent of women actually give birth on their calculated due date.

4. Can the EDD change?

Yes, the EDD can be adjusted based on the size of the fetus during an ultrasound. If the EDD falls more than a week apart from your period-based EDD, your doctor may decide to base your due date on the ultrasound.

5. What if I can’t remember the first day of my last period?

If you don’t remember the first day of your last period, an ultrasound can help determine your due date. An ultrasound done in the first trimester of pregnancy can give the most accurate due date estimation.