What does Naegele's Rule help determine?

Naegele's Rule is a standard obstetrical calculation used to determine the estimated due date of a pregnancy. It provides a practical method based on the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP). To apply Naegele's Rule, one typically adds one year to the LMP, subtracts three months, and then adds seven days to arrive at an estimated due date.

This rule is vital for prenatal care as it helps healthcare providers and expectant parents understand the timeline of the pregnancy, plan for labor and delivery, and schedule essential prenatal visits. While it does not address the timing for conception or analyze potential pregnancy complications, its primary purpose is to give a reliable estimate for when the baby is expected to be born.