“Master EDD Calculation: Proven Tips for Confident Nursing Practice”
Introduction
Pregnancy is a very beautiful and delicate phase in which expectant mothers need proper care and accurate information. EDD (Estimated Date of Delivery )is an important calculation which every nurse, midwife or nursing student must know perfectly.
How to Calculate EDD
There are many ways to calculate EDD, but the most common and simple method is Naegele’s Formula.
Basic Steps to Calculate EDD:
1️⃣ Find out the patient’s LMP i.e. Last Menstrual Period.
2️⃣ Add 1 year to that LMP date.
3️⃣ Add 7 days to it.
4️⃣ Then subtract 3 months.
With this simple formula, you can easily calculate EDD.
Importance of On 12 May International Nurses Day 2025
On 12 May International Nurses Day 2025 is a reminder of the crucial role nurses play in the healthcare system:
Patient care: Nurses understand the daily needs of patients and make their treatment journey easier.
Advocacy: Nurses fight for the rights and wellbeing of patients.
Education: They educate patients and their families about diseases and prevention.
Innovation: They improve the quality of care by bringing in new ideas and techniques.
On this day, we recognize their efforts and demand better working conditions for them.
1. Naegele’s Formula
Sabse simple aur commonly used method hai.
Formula:
EDD = LMP + 1 year + 7 days – 3 months
Example:
Agar LMP 5th March 2025 hai, toh:
LMP = 5th March 2025
Add 1 year → 5th March 2026
Add 7 days → 12th March 2026
Minus 3 months → 12th December 2025
So, EDD = 12th December 2025
2. Mittendorf’s Rule
Mittendorf’s Rule is a slightly updated version of Naegele’s Formula, which is based on modern studies. This is especially accurate for those women whose cycles are not regular for 28 days.
According to Mittendorf’s Rule:
Primigravida (First time pregnancy): LMP + 1 year + 15 days – 3 months
Multigravida (Multiple pregnancies): LMP + 1 year + 10 days – 3 months
Example:
If a woman’s LMP is 5th March 2025 and she is pregnant for the first time:
LMP = 5th March 2025
Add 1 year → 5th March 2026
Add 15 days → 20th March 2026
Minus 3 months → 20th December 2025
So, EDD = 20th December 2025
👉 Mittendorf’s Rule considers the natural variations of pregnancy duration, hence it is considered to be slightly more accurate.
Why EDD Calculation is Important
✅ With proper EDD calculation, pregnancy can be safely monitored.
✅ Antenatal check-ups and diagnostic tests can be done on time.
✅ It helps to avoid pre-term and post-term complications.
✅ Mother and baby’s health monitoring becomes better.
That’s why every nurse and midwife should know how to calculate EDD perfectly.
Factors Affecting EDD Accuracy
You also need to understand that EDD is an estimation — it can be affected by a few factors:
🔹 Irregular menstrual cycles
🔹 Contraceptive use before conception
🔹 Breastfeeding mothers
🔹 Hormonal imbalances
🔹 IVF pregnancies
In these cases, ultrasound is also used to confirm EDD, especially early pregnancy scans (first trimester) for accurate dating.
