Goodbye Due Date, Hello Due Month: A Positive Shift in Pregnancy Thinking
Although most pregnant women are familiar with the term due date, the phrases "guess dates" and "due months" are not as widely known. Many pregnant women focus on their due date as the day they expect to meet their baby, however, we must remember the due date is not an expiration date for your baby. In fact, only about 4% of babies are actually born on their due date. Most babies are born within two weeks of their due date, either before or after.
To get a better understanding of why we should change the way we think about “guess dates” and “due months” let’s recap on what a due date actually is. Due dates are a way to estimate when a woman will give birth. Usually, they are calculated based on the first day of the woman's last menstrual period (LMP). Historically speaking, the LMP is not always a reliable starting point. Many women have irregular cycles, and even if cycles are regular that doesn’t guarantee that ovulation (the time a woman can get pregnant) is regular. In addition, many women may not remember the first day of their last period. Lastly, there is a lot of variation in the length of pregnancy. Some babies are simply ready to be born earlier than others.
There are a number of reasons why focusing on a due date can be unhelpful for pregnant women. First, it can lead to anxiety and stress if the baby does not arrive on the expected date. Second, focusing on a due date can make it extremely difficult to enjoy the last few weeks of pregnancy. Third, focusing on a due date may lead to unnecessary medical interventions. For example, some doctors may recommend inducing labor if the baby is not born by a certain date. However, induction can increase the risk of complications and interventions for both the mother and the baby.
Focusing on the terms “guess dates” and “due month” can help women enjoy their last few weeks of pregnancy which can help improve their overall mental health. This means expecting that the baby could be born anytime within a two-week window (this is two weeks before or after the guess date).
Here are some tips for pregnant women who are struggling to focus on a due month:
Join a support group for pregnant women. This can be a great way to meet other women who are going through the same experiences.
Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
Talking to your support system and birth team about “guess dates” and “due months” (Pregnant moms do not need their inboxes filling up asking if baby has arrived)
Slow down. Focus on the positive aspects of pregnancy and motherhood.
Spend time with your partner and family, create plans during that final month. Enjoy the anticipation of meeting your new baby.
Remember, every pregnancy is different. There is no right or wrong way to experience this special time in your life. Just focus on taking care of yourself and your baby, and enjoy the journey.
