How To Get Pregnant Video: It's Estimated Due Date, not Expiration Date.

Due dates are estimates, not expirations.

I've been talking to a lot of moms in the last few weeks who have all had a problem with the practitioners and scheduling their births. These moms are being slated for inductions and planned c-sections because their "time is up," meaning it is their due date.

They are being forced into choosing a medically managed labor and birth because their practitioner subscribes to the belief of an expiration date as opposed to a due date. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) talks about the normal pregnancy extending to the completion of the 42nd week of gestation, not at the near random date suggested by early ultrasound or your cycle, before intervening. So why are some doctors and midwives jumping in too early?

Some say it is the healthiest, but that is not what science and research say. Others say it's just the practice policy, which is true, but that doesn't make it the healthiest or best way for your baby to come into the world. If someone asks you to intervene in your pregnancy simply because of your due date, stop and ask questions about why. Is there a medical reason? Is your pregnancy at that end of 42 week mark? What are the benefits and risks of intervening early?

Hey, if babies are anything like me, and I'm sure some of you, due dates for projects are often extended a bit because I need time to perfect what I'm working on. And occasionally I get it done a bit early, but not as often as I am a bit late. A baby is a huge project and barring any medical complications, one that needs all the time you have to get it just right.

If you're looking for someone to share the ups and downs of pregnancy with, look no further than our expectant mothers clubs based on due dates. Simply choose month you're due and get going: