1. What is EDC in Pregnancy?

The Estimated Date of Confinement (EDC), also known as Estimated Due Date (EDD), is the predicted date when a pregnant woman is expected to deliver. It's calculated as 280 days (40 weeks) from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP).

2. How Does the EDC Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard Naegele's rule:

Where:

• \( EDC \) — Estimated Date of Confinement
• \( LMP \) — First day of Last Menstrual Period

Note: This calculation assumes a regular 28-day menstrual cycle. Adjustments may be needed for women with significantly longer or shorter cycles.

3. Importance of EDC Calculation

Details: Knowing the EDC helps healthcare providers monitor fetal development, schedule important prenatal tests at appropriate times, and identify potential preterm or post-term pregnancies.

4. Using the Calculator

Instructions: Simply enter the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) in the date field and click "Calculate" to get your estimated due date.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is the EDC calculation?
A: Only about 5% of women deliver on their exact due date. Most deliver within 2 weeks before or after the EDC.

Q2: What if I don't know my LMP?
A: An ultrasound in early pregnancy (especially first trimester) can provide a reliable estimate of gestational age.

Q3: Does this work for irregular cycles?
A: The calculation is most accurate for women with regular 28-day cycles. For irregular cycles, ultrasound dating is more reliable.

Q4: What's the difference between EDC and EDD?
A: They mean the same thing - Estimated Date of Confinement (EDC) and Estimated Due Date (EDD) are interchangeable terms.

Q5: Can the due date change?
A: Yes, healthcare providers may adjust the due date based on early ultrasound measurements if they differ significantly from the LMP-based calculation.