“When’s Your Due Date?” Why That Date Might Not Mean What You Think It Does
- Ayla, Born Motherhood
- Jun 21
- 3 min read
One of the first questions everyone asks when you’re pregnant is: “When are you due?”
And while it’s fun to dream about that magical day your baby will make their grand entrance (and maybe even circle it in pink or blue on the calendar), let’s talk about what your due date actually means—and why it might be time to rethink how we look at it.
How Are Due Dates Calculated?
Most due dates are based on a formula called Naegel’s Rule. It estimates your baby’s arrival by counting 40 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). But here’s the thing: this method assumes a 28-day cycle and that ovulation happens on day 14, which isn’t true for everyone. (Because let’s be real—our bodies are not all operating on the same factory schedule.)
Even when using ultrasounds to date a pregnancy, the date given is still an estimate. It's not a promise or a deadline. It’s just a guess based on averages—and babies? They don’t usually show up on average.
In fact, only about 5% of babies are born on their actual due date. Most arrive sometime between 37 and 42 weeks, which is completely normal and healthy.
Shifting Our Expectations
When we treat a due date like an expiration date, it can cause a lot of unnecessary stress. You might feel anxious, like your body is “behind schedule” or that something is wrong when baby doesn’t arrive “on time.”
But here’s the truth: Your baby has a birthday already chosen—it just might not match the one on the calendar.
There’s nothing wrong with going past your due date. Your body knows how to do this. Your baby knows when they’re ready. And unless there’s a medical reason to intervene, waiting patiently (and yes, maybe a little impatiently) is often the safest, most respectful choice for both of you.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11
We can trust that God, in His infinite wisdom, has appointed the perfect time for your baby’s arrival. His timing is never off—not even by a day.
What to Do When You Hit 40 Weeks and… Crickets
So, you’ve hit your due date and still no baby? Take a deep breath, mama. You’re not alone.
Here are a few things you can do while you wait:
Stay active (as much as feels good) – Go for walks, bounce on your birth ball, do some gentle stretching.
Connect with your doula – Talk through your birth preferences again, ask questions, or just vent a little if you need to.
Plan a little something special – A date night, a pedicure, or an afternoon nap. You deserve some joy right now!
Tune out the pressure – Easier said than done, but kindly ignore the “any baby yet?” texts. You don’t owe anyone updates on a schedule your baby didn’t create.
Read your birth affirmations Take time to ground yourself in truth. Let the stress and anxiety melt away as you focus on what is true about your body, your baby, and your birth. Don't have any affirmations? Download these Bible-based affirmations!
Trust your body and baby – Your body was designed for this. And your baby is not “late”—they’re finishing up something very important: growing strong and ready to meet you.
You Were Made for This
At Born Motherhood, we believe in supporting you through every step of this journey—especially the ones that require patience, trust, and a little extra encouragement.
If you’re approaching your due date and feeling all the feelings (we see you), know this: your body is not broken, your baby is not behind, and you don’t have to rush a sacred process.
When the time is right, your little one will be here—and it will be worth every minute of the wait.
Want to talk about your birth plan or get additional support as your due date approaches? Let’s connect. We’re here to help you feel informed, supported, and empowered—no matter when your baby decides to arrive.
Still feeling unprepared for birth, breastfeeding or postpartum? Register for our next series of weeknight classes or weekend masterclass!
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