Calculate due date

Use our pregnancy calculator to calculate the due date, the current week of pregnancy and the current approximate size of your baby. This allows you to keep track of your baby’s development at all times and to better plan important appointments during pregnancy.

To calculate the due date, the first day of your last menstrual period is used, as the exact time of fertilization is usually not known. Based on this date, a pregnancy lasts an average of 40 weeks or 280 days (the so-called Naegele rule). Please note, however, that the actual “due date” can be up to two weeks before or after the calculated date.

How is the due date calculated without a period?

If the exact time of the last menstrual period is unknown, the due date can be determined by an ultrasound scan in early pregnancy. This method is particularly accurate in the first twelve weeks and provides reliable information about the gestational age and the expected date of birth.

How can I work out when my baby was conceived?

To calculate the date of conception of your child, you can take the first day of your last menstrual period as a starting point and add about 14 days. This time corresponds to the approximate time of ovulation and therefore possible fertilization. A more precise determination can be made by means of an early ultrasound examination, which narrows down the gestational age and the date of conception.

When does maternity protection begin?

As a pregnant woman and immediately after giving birth, you are specially protected as an employee. For example, your employer must exempt you from certain work and may not dismiss you during pregnancy and maternity leave if you have a permanent employment contract. This protection starts from the first day of pregnancy, even if you are not yet aware of it. As pregnancy is not an illness, you are generally considered fit for work until the birth.

After the birth, you are not allowed to work for 8 weeks and are entitled to 14 weeks’ maternity leave at 80% of your salary. You are still not allowed to give notice until 16 weeks after the birth.
You are also specially protected during the breastfeeding period: Your employer must allow you sufficient time for breastfeeding and employ you in such a way that neither your health nor that of your child is impaired.

As not all employees benefit equally from maternity protection, you should contact Seco as soon as possible after the positive pregnancy test to find out about your personal situation . In addition, many companies have regulations for pregnancy and breastfeeding that go beyond the statutory obligation. It is therefore worth seeking a discussion with your employer at an early stage.

Obstetrics clinic: We are here for you

Please note that our pregnancy calculator is not a substitute for medical advice and that regular check-ups are essential to ensure the health of mother and child.
We are here for you at any time, both for check-ups and for everything to do with the birth.

Why you should know your baby's due date

If you know your baby’s due date, you have a solid basis for preparing for the birth and can go through the pregnancy more relaxed. You have a goal in mind with the date of birth. A few more good reasons to know the date:

• Planning preventive check-ups: Regular check-ups are crucial for the health of mother and child.
  If you know the date of birth, you can plan these examinations in good time to detect and treat any health problems at an early stage.
• Medical preparation: Doctors and midwives can better assess how your baby is developing and whether there are any complications based on the date of birth.
• Preparing for the birth: Thanks to the calculated due date, you can better plan the birth, any hospital stay and the necessary organization at home.
  Preparation also includes setting up the nursery, buying baby equipment and preparing for the first few days after the birth.
• Birth preparation courses: Attending a birth preparation course is essential to prepare for the birth and life with the newborn. Our courses provide you with valuable information and practical tips to help you feel more confident and competent.
• Professional and legal planning: The calculated date of birth gives you and your employer the opportunity to plan your maternity leave and the time afterwards in good time.
  The earlier you discuss your continued employment with your employer and the better the company can plan ahead for the time you will be absent, the more likely it is that you will find a good solution for yourself.
• Logistical planning and support: The calculated due date makes it possible to organize support from family and friends for the time before, during and after the birth – including care for siblings, for example.

How often is the calculated due date correct?

Only around 5% of births are exactly on the calculated due date. Most babies are born within a period of about two weeks before or after this date. Babies born three weeks before and two weeks after their due date are considered term babies. If they are born earlier than three weeks before the due date, it is called a premature birth, two weeks after the due date it is called a transfer. Usually an introduction is made after these two weeks at the latest.

What are possible reasons for a shorter or longer pregnancy?

• Genetic factors: Differences in genetic make-up can influence the duration of pregnancy.
  Boys are also transmitted more frequently than girls.
• Earlier pregnancies: Women who already have several children tend to be able to give birth earlier.
• The mother’s state of health: Chronic illnesses or complications such as pre-eclampsia can lead to premature birth.
• Multiple pregnancies: Twins or multiples are often born before the due date.
• Stress and lifestyle: High levels of stress, an unhealthy diet or excessive physical exertion can affect the duration of pregnancy.
• Placental function: Impaired placental function may necessitate an earlier birth.

How do I know if my baby is coming early?

Some signs may indicate that your baby may be born early:

• Preterm labor: Regular and prolonged contractions before the 37th week of pregnancy.
• Changes in discharge: A watery, bloody or mucousy discharge may indicate premature rupture of the membranes.
• Feeling of pressure in the pelvis: A strong feeling of pressure in the lower pelvic area can be a sign of an impending premature birth.
• Back pain: Severe, persistent pain in the lower back that does not subside.

If you notice any of the above signs before the 37th week of pregnancy, it is essential that you have them checked by your healthcare professional.