EDD, what is the point?!

[BellyBelly]

From Naturally Inducing Labour - Natural Induction Methods

According to a study on ‘The length of uncomplicated human gestation’ by the Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts, they found:

“For primiparas (first child), the median duration of gestation from assumed ovulation to delivery was 274 days, significantly longer than the predicted 266 days. For multiparas (more than one child), the median duration of pregnancy was 269 days, also significantly longer than the prediction. Moreover, the median length of pregnancy in primiparas proved to be significantly longer than that for multiparas”

Why hasn’t my baby come yet?

There are several reasons baby might not be ready to come, including

Miscalculation of estimated due date – ultrasound has a margin of error in regards to due date calculation, which is not based on your own, individual baby, but mathematics. Therefore dates may be miscalculated. This is especially the case in later ultrasounds when genetics take over and baby grows at his or her own rate.
The inaccuracy of ultrasound

First trimester: 7 days
14 – 20 weeks: 10 days
21 – 30 weeks: 14 days
31 – 42 weeks: 21 days

Source – The Lie of Your EDD

External or psychological factors – including the mother feeling stressed, in an unsafe environment or frightened. The effect of adrenaline in the body can potentially slow or stall your labour.
A medical or health problem. This is why it’s important you see your medical carer regularly when you are overdue. If you’re feeling stressed, overly-anxious or if you think external/psychological factors may be a problem, finding someone to talk to about this may help a great deal.

The Lie of the EDD: Why Your Due Date Isn't when You Think - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

[~clover~]

My dates only varied by a day with DD1, so I went with the one in the middle of the 3.
With DD2 & DS they measured 4 days ahead, but I still went with the original LMP dates. DD1 went from the 29th to the 25th. She didn't come til the 5th of the next month!
This time I have gotten the same date at both the 8 week & 20 week scans. All I know is that my bub will come when its ready. The date means nothing to me anymore. Just early October, thats what I tell everyone
I do have a friend on FB who was the same as me, but she moved to 2 weeks before me, then somehow she's another week further, putting her 3 weeks further all up. I don't know how it keeps changing so dramatically

[~*Niadalla*~]

My EDD changed 3 times during my first pregnancy and kept freaking me out. It kept going backwards by 2 weeks. Although by 20 weeks my baby was measuring large, but we stayed with my later date (thankfully!!).
In the end, I gave went in labour spontaneously at 39+4 (which would have been 41+4 had we gone by original dates... so I tahnkfully missed out on the 10 day over induction!!).
With DD, I knew my exact dates, but my first scan suggested otherwise. Thankfully I was wiser, and went with the later date, giving myself extra time to get bubs out. I ended up going into labour at 38+4 (which would have been 39+4 had I gone with earlier dates).

It only took me the one pregnancy to work out EDD was an absolute CROCK.
If I was ever to get pregnant again, I'd be doing what I did with DD and giving myself more time to avoid intervention.

[Kazzo]

[\QUOTE]It only took me the one pregnancy to work out EDD was an absolute CROCK.
If I was ever to get pregnant again, I'd be doing what I did with DD and giving myself more time to avoid intervention.[/QUOTE]

That's what I thought I could do, but the hospital wont budge. I guess If it comes to an induction date 14 days from the 5th of Nov my car may just have to break down or something along those lines.

[didispunk]

My EDD was changed the other day from a TYPO issue.. was the 11/08/2010 and was ment to be 1/08/2010 So i am glad of the 10 day change as having SPD IS really hurting me!

[*LovemyKids*]

I know that the baby is going to come whenever they are ready. I have had a few scans this time to check a few thing and my last was today and my baby is measureing BIGGER!!! LOL I know for a fact that they will not change my dates and i don't want them too, i would rather go into labour naturally then be induced as i know its my best chance to have a vaginal birth and is heaps better for the both of us. Although a BIG baby is not ideal i don't know how accurate ultrasounds are anyway!!!! I have had and 8pound 2 oz baby and a 7p 6oz and honestly it hurt just as much LOL!!!! So really what is the difference they are going to come out one way or another. I agree your first EDD should be it and that is it!!!!!!!!!!!

[onthefly]

Ive been wondering the same thing Tanya, as it sems some women get their dates changed with each scan. babies don't all grow in the same straight-line pattern - it makes no sense to continuously move the goal posts.
I have 2 dates. one based on my transfer (5/12) and one on an early scan (11/12). Since i was induced at 42 weeks las time the midwife agreed it made sense to go with the later date to give us more time.

[meow]

I have a date based on my 26 day cycle. I was going to go with a date based on a 28 day cycle but given I have an IM we decided to go with the "right" date so we know where abouts baby should be at and just see what happens.

Both my children have measured 6 days earlier at their scans but I've always stuck with the date based on my cycle- buys more "overdue" time anyway.