1. What is Gestational Age?

Gestational age is a measure of the age of a pregnancy from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP). It is typically expressed in weeks and days. This measurement is crucial for monitoring fetal development and determining important milestones during pregnancy.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard gestational age formula:

Where:

• \( Current\ Date \) — Today's date or any specified date
• \( LMP \) — First day of last menstrual period
• The result is divided by 7 to convert days to weeks

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

3. Importance of Gestational Age Calculation

Details: Accurate gestational age determination is essential for proper prenatal care, scheduling tests, monitoring fetal growth, and determining the estimated 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 determine how many weeks pregnant you are based on these dates.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this the same as fetal age?
A: No, gestational age is about 2 weeks more than fetal age since it counts from the LMP, not conception.

Q2: What if I don't know my LMP?
A: An ultrasound can estimate gestational age if LMP is unknown or cycles are irregular.

Q3: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's accurate for women with regular 28-day cycles. Variations occur with irregular cycles.

Q4: When should I see a doctor?
A: If you think you're pregnant, see a healthcare provider for confirmation and prenatal care.

Q5: Can this determine my due date?
A: Yes, the estimated due date is typically 40 weeks from the LMP (280 days).