We can call it an ‘estimate’ or a ‘guess’ date, but no matter how hard we try, it can be pretty challenging to not allow that date to carry weight. So much about the entire pregnancy is about counting down toward that particular day (counting the weeks, the appointments based on gestation, marking developmental milestones). The day comes and…for most….it is much like any other day (besides the squished organs, swollen feet, and frequent bathroom trips). It can feel surreal…or all of a sudden make things feel VERY real. And then that day is gone. Now you find yourself counting in the opposite direction and the clock starts ticking. See, in the US, most hospitals and birth centers ‘will not allow’ a mother to go beyond 42 weeks gestation. Yes, there is evidence based information showing that after 42 weeks there are increased risks, but the fact is that we are using an antiquated formula to determine this magical “Guess Date”. It is based on the first day of the last menstrual cycle before pregnancy, assuming that all women have a 28 day cycle and ovulate on day 14. So, for those of us who like to live outside of the box, that makes our “EDD” completely arbitrary and at that stage of the game, +/- 1 or 2 days means the world.