Why we should eliminate the due date: A truth in jest

We currently use flawed calculations to set a woman's due date based on men strual periods to determine gestational age. We use the estimated gestation al age to make management decisions based on our patients' individual needs . This principle is in contrast to our patients' use of dating to set an es timated date of confinement. This date is seen as a very specific point in time. Patients and their families plan on that date and become distressed w hen the expected date is not met. Given that many patients are induced elec tively, that many will have their delivery dates changed, and that many wil l have delivery dates adjusted for medical reasons, and most importantly gi ven that dating is inaccurate and unreliable, we propose eliminating the du e date. We propose giving patients a calculated assigned week of delivery a t 32 weeks. An assigned week of delivery allows for individualization of ob stetric care based on the needs of our patients, their support systems, and hospital staffing. We believe an assigned week of delivery will improve ob stetric practice and patient satisfaction. (Obstet Gynecol 2001; 98:1127-9. (C) 2001 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.).