Due Date vs. Actual Delivery: Why Babies Rarely Arrive On Time

As soon as the two pink lines reflect on the pregnancy test strip, the would-be parents and family members experience a tsunami of emotions and excitement.

Every couple who wants to have a baby is happy to know that a few months later, their little bundle of joy will arrive. Still, guessing the exact dates might not be possible without the help of an expert.

A gynaecologist is the right person for guidance on how due date is calculated, so as soon as you believe you have conceived, connect with the expert and discuss your anxieties. Usually, the doctor will ask you the date of your menstrual period to estimate the delivery dates.

However, only 4–5% of babies arrive on the predicted due date. This depends on the ovulation and conception timing. Let us explore how to estimate a baby’s due date.

How Doctors Estimate Your Baby’s Due Date

Most first-time parents tend to believe that the predicted date will be the exact delivery date and end up getting confused when they receive the scan results, which may show diverse results.

You must check the Free Online Pregnancy Due Date Calculator - a tool offered by R for Rabbit for the precise date of your baby's arrival. Let us explore the approaches that experts use for the estimation of due date:

• Using the LMP

As stated above the first prediction is made after discussing the last period date. Typically, a 28-day cycle is considered according to which ideal time of ovulation is 14th day of the cycle. Thus, one should be sure of the date, and in case of confusion, the estimate will vary.

• Role of ultrasound scans in dating pregnancy

An ultrasound renders a more precise delivery date compared to the LMP approach. However, it may change as the pregnancy proceeds since every child grows differently. The ultrasound analysis depends on the deviation from a growth pattern that doctors use as a reference.

• Average pregnancy length vs. individual differences

Every woman has a unique pregnancy journey since it depends on the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects. So, if you are wondering why do babies come before or after due date, you will need to understand that the average length vs. individual difference.

Why Babies Often Arrive Before or After the Due Date

Let’s discuss the aspects that are involved in estimating the delivery due date and the actual date. This will help the new parents gain a better insight into the journey, letting you prepare better:

• Normal range

As the pregnancy commences, childbirth can occur from 37-42 weeks. It’s subject to how the mom’s body endures the increasing weight and responds to the hormonal changes. Thus, delivering a baby anytime in this range is fine.

• Role of baby’s development and readiness

The baby's growth inside a tummy depends on the nutrition, as well as the parents’ attributes like height and weight.

If the baby is developing well and gaining weight, it will change in every scan. Thus, stay calm and happy if the predicted due date is earlier than the last scan results.

• Maternal health and lifestyle

It is suitably said that a mommy’s wellbeing affects the fetus's growth and development. Hence, if your routine is spot-on, minus any unhealthy habits, the fetus will be healthy.

3 Common Reasons for Early Delivery

We have a notion on why babies don’t arrive on due date, so let’s dive into a comprehensive exploration of the probable reasons for early delivery:

• Preterm labor triggers

Women get into early labor because of diverse factors like placental issues, high stress levels, and health conditions. Thus, regular monitoring along with timely scans will let the gynaecologist suggest the expected date so that there are no surprises.

• Multiple pregnancies and early birth likelihood

Mommies carrying more than single foetus in their tummies are likely to deliver earlier than the predicted date. This is because as the babies grow, it puts pressure on the uterus and increases the probability of early delivery.

• Health conditions leading to induced labor

Health concerns like diabetes, high blood pressure along with unhealthy lifestyle involving alcohol, smoking have a direct impact on the delivery date. A few other factors that may lead to premature birth are maternal age and inadequate prenatal care, leading to complications.

3 Common Reasons for Late Delivery

Some mothers have to wait longer than the predicted delivery date, and they tend to get nervous, thinking there may be concerns with the baby due to the delay.

Here are some reasons for late delivery that you should be aware of:

• First-time mothers and longer pregnancies

Delayed deliveries are familiar with first-time mommies as their uterus muscles are tight enough to support the baby’s weight.

Also, conceiving at an ideal age is favourable in terms of body strength and mental health, leading to longer pregnancies compared to second or third time.

• Miscalculated due date or irregular cycles

With the modern lifestyle, irregular period cycles are prevalent, leading to a miscalculation in terms of ovulation period and due date prediction. Especially women who have issues like PCOD tend to face such problems and may deliver later than the given date.

• Baby’s position or slow labor progression

Once the due date is near, the doctor checks for the baby’s position which should ideally be head down for birth. However, in some situations, the baby gets into breach position, meaning legs coming out first, leading to complications and delayed delivery.

Also, sometimes women get into labor, but the progression is slow, which causes a delay. Hence, the intervention of an expert is necessary in such scenarios.

What “Full-Term” Really Means

With the insight into due date vs. actual delivery, let's understand some terminologies involved in baby delivery. When you consult your doctor, she will frequently use terms like early, full, and late term, so discuss these with them and be an educated mommy.

• The term definitions

A full-term pregnancy is 39 weeks while a woman who gets into labor around 37 weeks is early term. Also, pregnancy above 41 weeks is considered late term so stay connected with the expert and be vigilant of the developments.

• Term window matters for foetus health

The final pregnancy weeks, around 39 weeks, ensure full development. Babies born after full-term pregnancy have developed brain, and body organs. Also, they tend to have healthy weight, neurologically developed without any disabilities.

• Risks associated with preterm birth

Preterm babies are born with developmental issues like breathing, hearing and vision with low birth weight. Also, they are susceptible to chronic illnesses and conditions, like SIDS, ADHD etc.

Being Mentally Prepared for an Unpredictable Delivery Date

Indeed, pregnancy is a journey that lets you evolve and prepare for motherhood; thus, apprehending the unpredictability of the delivery date is of great help.

• Setting realistic expectations

Stay connected with the doctor and discuss the changes in the expected outcome for a realistic insight. You may see varied results with the pregnancy progress, so ask all relevant questions that would help you understand the prediction.

• Having your hospital bag ready early

Once you enter the 30th week of pregnancy, start gathering all the items you would wish to pack in your hospital bag. Ensure to pack all essentials in advance as last minute rush would only lead to chaos.

• Flexibility in birth plans

Discuss your expectations and the doctor’s perspective about the progressing pregnancy so that you are flexible in the birth plans whenever you get into labor.

When to Call Your Doctor Before the Due Date?

Most doctors suggest a scan around the 32nd week of pregnancy, which gives an insight into what to expect in the coming weeks and how accurate the pregnancy due date is. Below are instances when you should connect with the specialist straightaway:

• Signs of labor before week 37

If you experience back pain, pelvic pressure, or uneasiness before week 37 with increasing intensity, you should not spare a moment and make an appointment at the hospital.

• Water breaking or contractions

The moment you experience water breaking, it is high time to visit the hospital, as it marks the entry into labor.

• Sudden changes in the baby’s movement

During the last scan, if your doctor shows concern about the baby’s position and movement, you should be ready with your bag. Experts suggest that if you experience less than 10 movements in 2 hours, you should connect with the specialist.

Expert Advice for Expecting Parents

New parents tend to get inquisitive since it is their first time, and they do not have adequate knowledge of what to expect and when to visit the hospital.

• Trusting your doctor’s monitoring schedule

With regular check-ups and precise monitoring, your doctor is your best guide. You must trust him and take things forward.

• Understanding safe induction decisions

Once you enter labor, discuss the induction process that the doctor will use to ensure safe delivery. Comprehend and follow his directions.

• Keeping stress low for a healthy delivery

Healthy eating habits, clean lifestyle and no stress during pregnancy is the best approach so make the most of this time and spend great time with your partner.

Also Read:

1. How to Calculate the Due Date Without the Last Period?
2. When Is the Best Time to Get Pregnant?
3. First Week Pregnancy Guide: Identifying Key Symptoms and Changes

Conclusion: Every Baby Has Their Own Timeline

There is no need to panic in such a situation; mothers should enjoy this journey and prepare for the new life in the coming months. No matter how much you prepare and are aware of the estimated delivery time, be ready for the surprise.

Focus on delivering a healthy baby safely and avoid stressing about the journey ahead. Pick all your hospital bag essentials in advance and stay mentally flexible, as this will help you have a safe delivery.