Due Date Truths

You are given a date.

A Due Date

It is normally based on the date of your last menstrual period or from an ultrasound.

The date can change throughout pregnancy or it can stay the same.

What does that date actually mean?

Truth is, it is an estimation of when you might go into labor.

There is a wide window of gestation between 265-300 days. Most women are given 40 weeks as their due date and that is calculated by subtracting 265 from 300 which gives you 35 days. Divide that by two and you have 17. 5 days. Add 265 to 17.5 to get 282.5. That equates to 40.3 weeks.

Essentially, you have a birth month.

According to the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology the following terms represent term births:

Early term is between 37 weeks and 38 weeks and 6 days

Full term is between 39 weeks and 40 weeks and 6 days

Late term is between 41 weeks and 41 weeks and 6 days

Post term is between 42 weeks and after.

It is up to you and your provider when you may want medical management if you do not have your baby by a certain date, but know that your baby will come and be in your arms before you know it. No matter if you decide to induce or wait, our doulas at Northern Virginia Birth Services support your choice and are there waiting patiently when you need them. 

Introducing Olivia Norberg - Birth Doula

Join us in welcoming Olivia Norberg to Northern Virginia Birth Services. We are thrilled to have her on our team! 

1. What brought you to be a professional doula?

Introduction to birth came very early for me. I was in middle school when I started attending birth workers meetings with my mom.  It was so interesting to me. When I was 15, my sister let me be a part of the home birth of her first child. It wasn’t until I had children of my own that I realized being a labor doula was something that I wanted to pursue for my career. 

2. What is your favorite part of supporting families?

One thing I really enjoy about being a labor doula is encouraging families to have the confidence to advocate for what they want. Sometimes birth can be viewed as just another medical procedure. It is very satisfying to see families take back their voice and work with their doctor as a team instead of being intimidated by them.

3. When did you become a mother?

I was almost a month shy of 19 when I gave birth to my son. 

4. What are some of your dreams/visions for your profession?

 I would love to see the mindset of birth changed. Helping women witness that it’s not a passive event but an intimate and spiritual one where they do have the authority to speak up for their body, their baby and their family. I anticipate that as a doula I can help support and empower through education for women to trust their bodies and their instincts.

5. What is your greatest joy in mothering your own children?

 There is so much joy in motherhood. From the good morning smiles, unexpected hugs, chubby 3 year old arms, to slobbery kisses of a baby. The list can go on and on but for me it is most rewarding when I see the impact that my husband and I have on our children. The little moments when my son, even at 3, stands up for what he thinks is right, is kind to his brother, holds the door open for ladies, or says a heartfelt prayer. Those are the moments I swell up with pure bliss because I can see that the energy and love I pour in to my children is helping to shape them in to men who can change the world,  and productive members of society who will make a difference and give back. That is what I live for.

6. What would be your best advice for a new mom? 

Throughout your life you will have those days where it feels like the only positive aspect about the day is everyone managed to stay alive. You will have a day where everything feels like it’s going wrong, it’s inevitable. My best advice on those days, the days when you feel like your head may explode, is before you do anything, take a deep breath, and say I love you. Those three words exhaled in the place of an explosion of frustration can make a world of difference. Another piece of advice I have lived by is listen to your instincts. You have a connection with your child that runs so deep. Listen to your mommy instinct even if it goes against everything everyone else is telling you. Trust your gut

If Only I had a Doula.....

If only I had a doula.....

In my first trimester of pregnancy.

A miscarriage a few months prior and subsequent pregnancy with terrible morning sickness. Sick so bad, you can't cook or even smell food and most days you can't take care of yourself or your kids. Support physically from a doula who could do the things you can't in and around the house. 

Puking is a lot of work. Imagine someone to keep your hair clean or push on pressure points for comfort. To clean up the mess and make you look and feel pretty again. 

If you are pregnant or remember being pregnant, feeling half alive because of fatigue is real. To have someone there to let you nap or to help you get some rest would provide much need rejuvenation for your body and soul. 

How about having someone there to remind you of just how amazing you are when you feel so crappy. Someone to help you with the negative automatic thoughts over fears Having a doula to keep you focused on the positive thoughts and not let fear set in makes for a much more relaxed mom. 

A doula does all of these things. Not just for mothers in labor or while they are home with their babies after birth. While a doula is most often recognized as the support person for the birthing mother it can almost be anything in life.  When would you have had a doula in your life?

Add a doula to your support team today with Northern Virginia Birth Services. Our doulas will help rejuvenate you, support you. encourage you,  and give you confidence in your choices.