CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Odds of Baby Coming Early, Late or Right on Time

You may have a due date, but babies are on their own time. Find out what percentage of babies are born early or late.
save article
profile picture of The Bump Editors
Updated May 5, 2017
hip pregnant woman standing against blue wall
Image: Treasures & Travels

It’s most likely baby will really be born right around your due date. Unless it’s a scheduled delivery, you of course can’t know for sure, but check out these recent due date stats:

• 6 percent of babies were born late (week 42 and after)

• 12 percent arrived early (before week 37)

• 82 percent showed up on time (between weeks 37 and 41)

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

pregnant woman looking at calendar next to baby's crib
This Is the Most Popular Weekday to Give Birth, Study Says
By Wyndi Kappes
parent holds newborn's hand at hospital
This Mom’s Three Girls, Born Three Years Apart, Share the Same Birthday
By Nehal Aggarwal
Illustration of calendar with baby accessories surrounding it.
‘How Far Along Am I?’ Here’s How to Tell
By Stacey Feintuch
ADVERTISEMENT
mom taking photos of her baby during the fall season
Billionaires Are Most Likely to Be Born in October, Study Finds
By Nehal Aggarwal
very pregnant woman looking at her laptop
What Happens if You Go Past Your Due Date?
By Korin Miller
pizza hut offers deal to first twins born during the super bowl
Pizza Hut Is Giving Free Pizza to One Set of Parents This Super Bowl
By Nehal Aggarwal
skipolini preggo pizza pie, which claims to help women into labor.
Moms Swear This Restaurant's Specialty Pizza Helps Induce Labor
By Stephanie Grassullo
ADVERTISEMENT
woman writing in notebook with her cell phone nearby
Why Due Dates Can Change and What It Means for Your Pregnancy
By Korin Miller
couple embracing outdoors
Feeling Romantic? Statistics Show Valentine's Day Leads to a Baby Boom
By Sarah Hooper
Why Every Week Matters in Late Pregnancy
Why Every Week Matters in Late Pregnancy
By Kylie McConville
ADVERTISEMENT
This Routine Screening Test May Better Predict Your Due Date
This Routine Screening Test May Better Predict Your Due Date
By Anisa Arsenault
Q&A: When's My Due Date?
Q&A: When's My Due Date?
By Denise Gershwin, CNM
Shorter Women Have Shorter Pregnancies, Study Finds
Shorter Women Have Shorter Pregnancies, Study Finds
By Anisa Arsenault
ADVERTISEMENT
Is There Really Such Thing as a ‘Good’ Month to Have A Baby?
Is There Really Such Thing as a ‘Good’ Month to Have A Baby?
By Kylie McConville
black pregnant woman sitting on couch at home looking at smartphone and laptop
How Remote Prenatal Care and Monitoring Can Close Gaps and Save Black Lives
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
gynecologist performing a vaginal ultrasound
What to Expect From the 6-Week Ultrasound
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
group of pregnant women talking in a circle
How Group Prenatal Care Can Help Black Moms-to-Be
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
concept of egg fertilization
What Is a Zygote—and How Is It Different Than an Embryo?
Medically Reviewed by Kameelah Phillips, MD
pregnant woman holding glass of water and two white pills
A List of Over-the-Counter Medications You Can Take While Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman holding a tub of lotion
Can You Use Vicks While Pregnant? (What About Other Vapor Rubs?)
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List