What Is Gestational Age?

Pregnancy is a beautiful and life-changing journey, but it can also be overwhelming, especially for first-time mothers. There are so many things to keep track of and understand, from prenatal care to nutrition, labour, and delivery. One of the most important aspects of pregnancy is tracking gestational age. It is good for first-time mothers to know what gestational age is, how it's calculated, and why it's important.

 

How Is Gestational Age Measured?

Gestational age refers to how far along a woman is in her pregnancy, and it's measured in weeks. It's calculated from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period (LMP), even though conception usually occurs about two weeks after that. This may seem counterintuitive, but it's actually the most accurate way to determine gestational age since many women are not sure exactly when they conceived. In general, gestational age is used to determine a baby's growth and development milestones and to determine the due date for delivery.

 

Normal Pregnancy Length

The length of a pregnancy is typically calculated as 40 weeks, or 280 days, from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period. However, this is just an estimate, and the actual length of a pregnancy can vary by a few weeks. In fact, only about 5% of women deliver on their due date, and most women give birth within two weeks before or after their due date.

 

When Is Gestational Age Measured?

Gestational age is typically determined during the first prenatal visit, which usually occurs around eight weeks after the LMP. During this visit, the healthcare provider will perform an ultrasound to measure the size of the fetus and estimate the gestational age. This is also a good time to discuss any concerns or questions about the pregnancy and to start planning for prenatal care.

 

How Is Gestational Age Measured?

There are a few different ways to measure gestational age, but ultrasound is the most common and accurate method. The ultrasound technician will measure the size of the fetus and compare it to a chart of fetal growth to estimate the gestational age. This is usually done by measuring the length of the foetus from head to bottom, which is known as the crown-rump length.

Other Ways To Determine Gestational Age

In some cases, gestational age may also be estimated based on other factors, such as the size of the uterus, the position of the cervix, or the level of certain hormones in the mother's blood. However, these methods are not as accurate as ultrasound and may be used only in certain circumstances, such as when a woman is unsure of her LMP or if there are concerns about foetal growth.

 

Why Is Gestational Age Important? 

There are several reasons why tracking gestational age is crucial during pregnancy. For one, it helps healthcare providers monitor the growth and development of the foetus and identify any potential problems or complications early on. For example, if a foetus is not growing as expected, it may indicate that there is a problem with the pregnancy, such as a placental issue or a genetic disorder. 

Determine Due Date

In addition, knowing the gestational age helps healthcare providers determine the due date for delivery, which is important for planning prenatal care and ensuring a safe delivery. Women who deliver before 37 weeks are considered to have a preterm birth (premature), which can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby. On the other hand, women who deliver after 42 weeks may be at increased risk for complications such as post-term pregnancy and placental insufficiency.

Determine Potential Problems

Gestational age is also important for monitoring fetal development and identifying potential problems or complications. For example, during certain weeks of gestation, certain organs or systems may develop, such as the brain, lungs, or heart. If a problem is detected during an ultrasound or other prenatal test, healthcare providers may be able to intervene early and improve the outcome for both the mother and the baby.

Adequate Planning Before The Birth

Finally, tracking gestational age can also help women plan for their pregnancies and prepare for the arrival of their babies. Knowing the due date allows women to plan for maternity leave, make arrangements for childcare and delivery, and start preparing for the physical and emotional changes that come with having a baby.

 

Other Factors To Monitor Pregnancy

It's important to note that gestational age is just one-factor healthcare providers use to monitor pregnancy and foetal development. Other factors, such as maternal age, medical history, and lifestyle habits, also play a role in determining the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby.

 

Complications: Change The Due Date

In some cases, healthcare providers may need to adjust the due date or change the delivery plan based on the health and development of the foetus. For example, if a woman has high blood pressure or other complications that could affect the health of the baby, the healthcare provider may recommend inducing labour earlier than the due date to reduce the risk of complications.

 

The Main Takeaway 

Gestational age ultimately refers to how far along a woman is in her pregnancy, and it's measured in weeks from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period. It's an important factor in monitoring fetal development, identifying potential problems or complications, and determining the due date for delivery. Tracking gestational age allows healthcare providers to provide appropriate prenatal care and ensure a safe and healthy delivery for both the mother and the baby.

 

Talk To A Healthcare Provider

If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about your gestational age and how it will be monitored throughout your pregnancy. Your provider can answer any questions you have and help you understand what to expect during each stage of your pregnancy. Remember, pregnancy is a journey, and having a knowledgeable and supportive healthcare provider by your side can make all the difference.