“Due date calculator” is a common tool used in all pregnancies like singleton, twins, triplets, and other multiples. Although it is easy to use the Due Date Calculator for singleton pregnancies, you need a proper understanding of using the Due Date Calculator for twins and other multiple pregnancies.
What is the Due Date Calculator
“Due Date” is the term used to describe the date of the baby’s delivery. As we know, we have different tools to identify the due date for any of the pregnancies.
We can use some methods like the manual method of due date calculation, the Pregnancy wheel, pregnancy due date apps, and many other tools created with “Naegele’s Rule“.
Does the Due Date Calculator valid for twins
Simply it is yes. Although the Due date is a date for delivery in the pregnancy for laypeople, we use a more precise term called Expected Date of Delivery. Therefore, the expected delivery date is very important for managing and dating pregnancy.
Basic concepts important in the calculation of due dates for twins and triplets
What is term for singleton
If you have a singleton baby, the period of delivery is from 37weeks to 41 weeks. This is called the term baby. However, according to Naegele’s Rule, we consider the due date at 40 weeks of LMP.
What is term for twins
But when you consider a twin pregnancy, the term for a twin pregnancy is between 34weeks to 38weeks. Most babies are delivered around 36weeks.
What is term for triplets and quadruplets
But the pregnancy is even shorter if we consider the triplets and quadruplets. Quadruplets are delivered around 30 weeks, and triplets are born around 32 weeks.
How to use a due date calculator for twins and multiples
How to use due date calculator for twins
When you consider calculating the due date for a twin pregnancy, you have to know whether the babies are in a single or separate placenta. Babies with separate placentas last longer than those with the single placenta.
Consider your twins are in separate placentas, and you have to plan the delivery at 38 weeks. Then you have to calculate the due date for singleton and reduce 2weeks.
But if it is twins with a single placenta, you must consider the delivery around 36weeks. So you have to reduce 4 weeks from the standard due date.
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How to use due date calculator for triplets
As mentioned, if your babies are triplets, you have to consider the expected date is at 32 weeks. So when you calculate the due date for triplets, you have to reduce 8 weeks from the regular delivery date given by Naegele’s formula.
How to use due date calculator for quadruplets
Suppose you have a Quadruplets.
So you have to follow the same techniques to calculate the due date for the quadruplets. They are delivered at 30 weeks; you must reduce 10 weeks from the original due date.
Limitations of the due date calculation in twins, triplets, and other multiples
We usually calculate the due pregnancy date manually before the dating scan. However, when we calculate the due date, we don’t know the number of babies in the tummy. So if we use a calculator with Naegele’s rule, we get the date for a singleton baby instead of a twin, triplet, or quadruplet. So the ultrasound date will not match your calculated date with a regular due date calculator. So you have to adjust the dates as described earlier.
One of the most essential timings of pregnancy is the Period Of Amenorrhea (POA). But if we need to calculate POA, we need to know the Last Menstrual Period (LMP). But suppose you have forgotten the LMP, so it is difficult for you to know POA unless by Ultrasound scan. Because the use of reverse due date for multiple pregnancies is tricky unless you have a proper understanding of the physiology of pregnancy.
Importance of the calculation of due date for twins, triplets, and multiples.
The most important part of knowing the EDD is planning your delivery and adjusting your life accordingly.
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