due dates should probably be 40w5d

So… due dates are kinda bogus! Did you know the way we calculate them isn’t even universal? In France, for example, due dates are set at 41 weeks, not 40!

We also know from research that most babies don’t actually arrive on their due date. The median birth date for first-time moms is 40 weeks and 5 days, while for those who’ve given birth before, it’s 40 weeks and 3 days. So if we really wanted to base due dates on actual data, they’d look a little different!

Your due date can be helpful for giving you a general idea of when your baby might arrive—give or take a few weeks. But if you’re feeling pressured to give birth by that exact day, stressing about going past it, or wondering what’s normal, it might be worth chatting with your provider about the evidence behind due dates.

And if you’re not sure what to ask? A doula can help you navigate this conversation, offering guidance on what to bring up with your provider so you can make the best decisions for your birth. 💛