1. What is Gestational Age Calculation?

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. This calculator estimates gestational age based on the estimated due date (EDD).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• EDD — Estimated Due Date (date of 40 weeks gestation)
• Current Date — Today's date or any date you want to check
• 7 — Days in a week
• 40 — Standard length of pregnancy in weeks

Explanation: The formula calculates how many weeks are remaining until the due date and subtracts this from 40 weeks (full term).

3. Importance of Gestational Age

Details: Knowing the gestational age helps healthcare providers monitor fetal growth, schedule appropriate tests, and determine if development is on track. It's also crucial for timing interventions when needed.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the estimated due date (typically calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period or early ultrasound) and the current date. The calculator will determine how many weeks pregnant this corresponds to.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's accurate if the EDD is correct. Early ultrasound dating (first trimester) provides the most accurate EDD.

Q2: What if my cycle isn't 28 days?
A: This calculator assumes a standard 28-day cycle. If your cycle differs significantly, consult your healthcare provider for a more accurate assessment.

Q3: Can gestational age be more than 40 weeks?
A: Yes, normal pregnancies can range from 37-42 weeks. Values over 42 weeks may indicate post-term pregnancy.

Q4: Why does the result show negative weeks?
A: Negative values mean the current date is past the estimated due date.

Q5: How does this differ from fetal age?
A: Gestational age is about 2 weeks more than fetal (conceptual) age, as it counts from the LMP rather than conception.