1. What is Gestational Age?

Gestational age is the common term used during pregnancy to describe how far along the pregnancy is. It is measured in weeks from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period (LMP) to the current date.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• Current Date — Today's date or any date you want to calculate for
• LMP — First day of last menstrual period
• 7 — Number of days in a week

Explanation: The calculation determines the time elapsed since the first day of the last menstrual period in weeks.

3. Importance of Gestational Age Calculation

Details: Knowing the gestational age is crucial for monitoring fetal development, scheduling prenatal tests, determining due date, and making important clinical decisions during pregnancy.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the first day of your last menstrual period and the current date (or any date you want to check). The calculator will show the gestational age in weeks.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this calculation accurate for all pregnancies?
A: This method assumes a regular 28-day menstrual cycle with ovulation occurring on day 14. Variations may occur with irregular cycles.

Q2: What if I don't remember my LMP?
A: An ultrasound measurement in early pregnancy can provide an accurate estimate of gestational age.

Q3: How does this relate to the due date?
A: The estimated due date is typically 40 weeks from the first day of the LMP.

Q4: Can this be used after IVF?
A: For IVF pregnancies, gestational age is calculated from the date of egg retrieval or embryo transfer plus 14 days.

Q5: Why is gestational age important for prenatal care?
A: It helps determine if the baby is growing properly and ensures tests and interventions are done at the right time.