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:

• Due Date — Estimated date of delivery (typically 280 days from LMP)
• Current Date — Today's date or any date you want to check

Explanation: The calculator determines how many weeks remain until the due date or how many weeks have passed since the due date.

3. Importance of Gestational Age

Details: Knowing the gestational age helps healthcare providers monitor fetal development, schedule appropriate tests, and determine if the baby's growth is on track. It's also crucial for making decisions about timing of delivery.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the due date (typically provided by your healthcare provider) and the current date (defaults to today). The calculator will show the current gestational age in weeks.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides an estimate based on the due date. For precise dating, ultrasound measurements in early pregnancy are more accurate.

Q2: What if my cycle isn't 28 days?
A: The standard calculation assumes a 28-day cycle. If your cycles are significantly different, consult your healthcare provider for a more accurate assessment.

Q3: Why does gestational age start before conception?
A: Gestational age is calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP), which is typically about 2 weeks before conception occurs.

Q4: What is considered full term?
A: A pregnancy is considered full term between 39 weeks 0 days and 40 weeks 6 days. Early term is 37 weeks 0 days through 38 weeks 6 days.

Q5: Can gestational age change?
A: The initial estimate based on LMP may be adjusted after an ultrasound, especially if there's a significant discrepancy between LMP dating and ultrasound measurements.