Your due date (EDC) is calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP), since most women don’t know the actual date of conception. A full-term pregnancy is considered to be 280 days or 40 weeks. An example of a formula you can use to estimate the date you will deliver is:
Begin with the date of your last menstrual period, for example, August 14th.
Add 7 days (August 21st).
Subtract 3 months.
Your estimated due date would be May 21st.
Only a small number of women deliver on their due dates, however most deliver within 2 weeks of the date.
Make sure you drink plenty of healthy fluids (milk, fruit juice, and water).
All of your baby’s major body parts and systems are forming during the first 6 weeks of life. Remember that your baby, through the placenta, also receives what you take into your body. You should avoid the following substances as they could cause harm to your baby:
- Alcohol and drugs.
- Cigarettes.
- Unhealthy foods and drinks.
- Prescription or other medications, unless specifically prescribed by our doctors and nurses.
To lessen any nausea and vomiting eat small, but frequent meals to avoid an empty or too full stomach.
Do not diet! You are supplying your baby with vital nutrients. For the best nutrition, eat a variety of foods each day and include foods from each of the food groups.