Final answer:
The normal term of pregnancy is 280 (option 2) days. Due dates are calculated from the LMP and are approximately 284 days or 40.5 weeks, assuming conception on day 14. The three trimesters of pregnancy involve significant physiological changes and require a healthy diet and prenatal care.
Step-by-step explanation:
The normal term of pregnancy is 280 days. The calculation of the due date is based on the assumption that conception occurs on day 14 of the menstrual cycle, usually a good approximation for most pregnancies. Obstetricians set the due date as 284 days from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP), which is approximately 40.5 weeks, taking into consideration the conception time.
Pregnancy is generally divided into three trimesters, each lasting about 13 weeks. Throughout these trimesters, the body undergoes significant changes to accommodate the growing fetus. Important nutrients during this period include folic acid, calcium, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, and it is recommended for pregnant individuals to maintain a healthy diet supplemented with prenatal vitamins.
Labor begins with the dilation of the cervix and proceeds to the birth of the baby and the delivery of the placenta. The average duration of a pregnancy when counted from the LMP is about 40 weeks, although a range from 37 to 42 weeks is still considered normal.