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 standard gestational age formula:

Where:

• \( LMP \) — First day of last menstrual period (date)
• \( Current Date \) — Today's date or any date you want to calculate for (date)

Explanation: The calculation counts the number of days between LMP and current date, then converts to weeks and days.

3. Importance of Gestational Age Calculation

Details: Accurate gestational age determination is crucial for proper prenatal care, timing of tests, monitoring fetal growth, and determining the due date.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the first day of your last menstrual period and the current date (defaults to today). The calculator will display gestational age in weeks and days.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if I don't know my LMP?
A: If LMP is unknown, an ultrasound in early pregnancy can estimate gestational age based on fetal measurements.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This method assumes a regular 28-day cycle with ovulation on day 14. Variations in cycle length may affect accuracy.

Q3: What's the difference between gestational age and fetal age?
A: Gestational age is about 2 weeks more than fetal (conceptual) age, as it counts from LMP rather than conception.

Q4: When is the due date calculated?
A: The estimated due date is 40 weeks (280 days) from the first day of the LMP.

Q5: What if my cycles are irregular?
A: For irregular cycles, early ultrasound dating is more accurate than LMP-based calculation.