Pregnancy Due Date Calculator – Naegele's Rule

Key pregnancy health measures: medication, weight gain, exercise, nutrition

• Medication: Never start or stop prescription or over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements or pain relievers without checking with your obstetrician or midwife. Many common drugs are not recommended in pregnancy; your provider can suggest safer alternatives.
• Weight gain: Recommended weight gain depends on your pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). You can estimate this using our BMI Calculator. People with a lower BMI usually need more weight gain, while those with a higher BMI may need less. Your provider can give a personalised target and track it at each visit.
• Exercise: In most healthy pregnancies, light-to-moderate activity such as walking, prenatal yoga or swimming is encouraged. Avoid high-impact sports, activities with a risk of falls or abdominal trauma, and stop any workout that causes pain, dizziness or bleeding.
• Nutrition: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats and regular hydration. Prenatal vitamins (especially folic acid, iron and iodine) support baby's development but do not replace a balanced diet.

Common prenatal tests and screenings

The weeks of pregnancy calculated by your due date help schedule important prenatal tests. Exact timing and which tests you need varies by country, medical history and local guidelines, but common examples include:

• First trimester: blood tests, urine tests, early ultrasound (dating scan), screening for infections, blood type and Rh factor.
• Second trimester: anatomy scan ultrasound around 18–22 weeks, screening for gestational diabetes and some optional genetic or chromosomal screenings.
• Third trimester: tests for anaemia, screening for group B strep (GBS), and additional ultrasounds or monitoring if there are any complications or high-risk factors.

How often to see your doctor or midwife

The due date provides a framework for your prenatal schedule. Typical visit patterns for an uncomplicated pregnancy are:

• Weeks 4–28: about once every 4 weeks.
• Weeks 28–36: about once every 2 weeks.
• Weeks 36 until birth: about once a week.

You may need more frequent visits if you are having twins, have a medical condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes, or if your provider is monitoring a specific concern.

Pregnancy schedule management

Once you know your estimated due date, you can map out key milestones across your pregnancy:

• Set reminders for prenatal visits, blood tests and ultrasounds as recommended by your provider.
• Plan time off work and maternity or parental leave around the third trimester and postpartum period.
• Schedule childbirth education, breastfeeding and newborn care classes well before your due date.
• Build a birth plan and hospital bag checklist for the final weeks of pregnancy.

Foods and drinks to avoid in pregnancy

Food safety and avoiding certain ingredients can reduce the risk of infection or harm to your baby. General guidance often includes:

• Skip alcohol and avoid smoking or vaping; there is no known safe amount in pregnancy.
• Avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish, eggs and unpasteurised milk or soft cheeses.
• Limit high-mercury fish (such as shark, swordfish or king mackerel); choose low-mercury options instead.
• Moderate caffeine intake as advised by your provider, and avoid energy drinks.

Best time to get pregnant

From a cycle perspective, the best time to conceive is during your fertile window—the days just before and including ovulation. Our Ovulation Calculator can help estimate those days based on your last period and cycle length, and this due date calculator estimates when your baby might arrive if conception occurs.

From a life-stage perspective, many guidelines note that fertility and pregnancy risks can change with age, medical history and lifestyle. A preconception visit with your doctor or midwife is the best way to discuss your personal "best time" to become pregnant.