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 This Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• EDD — Estimated Due Date (calculated as 280 days from LMP)
• Current Date — Today's date or any date you want to check

Explanation: The calculation works backward from the due date to determine how many weeks pregnant someone is on any given date.

3. Importance of Gestational Age

Details: Knowing the gestational age helps healthcare providers monitor fetal growth, schedule appropriate tests, determine viability outside the womb, and make decisions about timing of delivery.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Enter the Estimated Due Date (EDD) provided by your healthcare provider
• Enter the current date or any date you want to check
• The calculator will show the gestational age in weeks and days

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This calculation assumes a standard 280-day (40-week) pregnancy. Individual variations may occur.

Q2: What if my result shows negative weeks?
A: A negative result means the current date is after the estimated due date.

Q3: Can I use this calculator if I don't know my EDD?
A: No, you need to know your EDD for this calculation. If you know your LMP, you can calculate EDD first.

Q4: Why does the calculator show 40 weeks at my due date?
A: This is correct - at the exact due date, the pregnancy is considered 40 weeks gestation.

Q5: How does this compare to ultrasound dating?
A: Early ultrasound dating may be more accurate than LMP-based dating, especially if menstrual cycles are irregular.