What is Nagele's rule used for in pregnancy?

Nagele's rule is a standard method used to calculate a woman's estimated due date based on the first day of her last menstrual period (LMP). To apply Nagele's rule, you take the first day of the last menstrual period, add one year, subtract three months, and then add seven days. This method provides a straightforward way for healthcare providers to predict when the baby is likely to be born, which is crucial for managing prenatal care and planning for delivery. Understanding the expected due date helps both healthcare providers and parents in preparing for labor and birth, and it can also guide pregnancy monitoring and intervention timelines.