Due dates! Why are we so fixated with them?! The fixation often ends in…

Due dates! Why are we so fixated with them?! The fixation often ends in disappointed when we go 'overdue' or shock and surprise when babies come earlier than expected

Most people don't know exactly when they ovulate, and ultrasounds are only estimates. Our 'due dates' could in fact be off by quite a bit!

In the UK, full term is classed 37-42 weeks, although I think it should be moved to 38-42 weeks, as some studies have suggested that brain development is better in babies born closer to 40 weeks.

Only a small percentage of babies are actually born on their due dates though. The figure is around 4%, which makes sense as the human body is not a literal clock. We also don't know the true reason what actual sends us into labour, although there have been many theories. . One study showed that for women who go into labour naturally, around 64% of babies are born between 39 weeks and 41+6 weeks. 13% are born in the 38th week 6% in the 37th week 3% in the 36th week 2% at 42 weeks and over. The remaining 12% are babies that are born preterm earlier than 36 weeks.

Did you go into labour naturally and give birth on your due date, or were you way off?