Pregnancy Week Calculator: Track Your Pregnancy Week by Week
Calculating pregnancy weeks is an essential step for every expecting mother. Whether you just found out you're pregnant or want to track your baby's development week by week, our online pregnancy calculator lets you know exactly where you stand. In just a few clicks, discover your number of weeks of amenorrhea (WA), gestational weeks (GW), your pregnancy month, trimester and most importantly, your estimated due date (EDD).
Why Is It Important to Know Your Pregnancy Progress?
Knowing exactly your number of pregnancy weeks is fundamental for several reasons. It's not just about satisfying curiosity: it's a real pregnancy tracking tool that directly impacts the health of both mother and baby.
Medical Follow-up and Prenatal Examinations
The pregnancy calendar is directly linked to the schedule of mandatory and recommended medical examinations. Each prenatal consultation is scheduled according to the number of weeks of amenorrhea:
- First ultrasound (dating scan): between weeks 11 and 13, to confirm the start date of pregnancy and check embryo vitality
- Second ultrasound (anatomy scan): between weeks 20 and 24, to examine the baby's morphology and organs in detail
- Third ultrasound (growth scan): between weeks 30 and 34, to check the baby's growth and position before delivery
- Monthly consultations: one visit per month from the 4th month of pregnancy
Baby Development Week by Week
Each week of pregnancy corresponds to a key stage in embryonic and fetal development:
Major Development Stages
- 1st trimester (WA 1-15): Formation of all organs, the heart starts beating at week 6, first movements appear
- 2nd trimester (WA 16-28): Rapid growth, first kicks felt by mom around weeks 18-20, gender can be determined, baby hears sounds
- 3rd trimester (WA 29-41): Lung maturation, weight gain, baby positions head-down for birth, brain development
Understanding the Difference Between Weeks of Amenorrhea and Gestational Weeks
Weeks of Amenorrhea (WA)
Weeks of amenorrhea are calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period. This is the method used by healthcare professionals because the date of the last period is generally known with precision. A pregnancy lasts approximately 40 weeks of amenorrhea (280 days).
Gestational Weeks (GW)
Gestational weeks are calculated from the presumed date of conception, approximately 14 days after the start of the last period. The pregnancy thus lasts about 38 gestational weeks. The formula is simple: GW = WA - 2.
How Is the Estimated Due Date (EDD) Calculated?
The estimated due date is calculated by adding 280 days (40 weeks) to the first day of the last menstrual period. This method, known as Naegele's rule, is the most commonly used by healthcare professionals.
It's important to note that the EDD is an estimate. Only 4-5% of babies are born on the exact due date. Most births occur between weeks 38 and 42.
Correspondence Table: Months, Weeks of Amenorrhea and Gestational Weeks
| Month |
Weeks of Amenorrhea (WA) |
Gestational Weeks (GW) |
Trimester |
| 1st month | 3 to 6 WA | 1 to 4 GW | 1st trimester |
| 2nd month | 7 to 10 WA | 5 to 8 GW | 1st trimester |
| 3rd month | 11 to 15 WA | 9 to 13 GW | 1st trimester |
| 4th month | 16 to 19 WA | 14 to 17 GW | 2nd trimester |
| 5th month | 20 to 24 WA | 18 to 22 GW | 2nd trimester |
| 6th month | 25 to 28 WA | 23 to 26 GW | 2nd trimester |
| 7th month | 29 to 32 WA | 27 to 30 GW | 3rd trimester |
| 8th month | 33 to 36 WA | 31 to 34 GW | 3rd trimester |
| 9th month | 37 to 41 WA | 35 to 39 GW | 3rd trimester |
Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy Calculation
How do I know how many weeks pregnant I am?
To know how many weeks pregnant you are, simply count the number of days since the first day of your last menstrual period and divide by 7. This gives you the weeks of amenorrhea. For gestational weeks, subtract 2 weeks. Our calculator does this automatically.
What is the difference between WA and GW?
WA (weeks of amenorrhea) count from the first day of the last period, while GW (gestational weeks) count from the date of conception. There is always a 2-week gap: GW = WA - 2.
Is the estimated due date reliable?
The estimated due date (EDD) is based on an average pregnancy duration of 280 days. In reality, a delivery is considered full-term between 37 and 42 weeks. The EDD can be refined by the dating ultrasound performed in the first trimester.
Important reminder: This calculator is an estimation tool. It does not replace medical monitoring. Consult your doctor or midwife for personalized pregnancy follow-up.