1. What is Gestational Age?

Gestational age is a measure of the age of a pregnancy taken from the beginning of the woman's last menstrual period (LMP). It is typically measured in weeks and helps track the progress of pregnancy and fetal development.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following simple formula:

Where:

• LMP — First day of last menstrual period
• Current Date — Today's date or any specified date
• 7 — Number of days in a week

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

3. Importance of Gestational Age Calculation

Details: Accurate gestational age determination is crucial for proper prenatal care, timing of tests and screenings, monitoring fetal growth, and determining the due date.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the first day of your last menstrual period and the current date (or any date you want to calculate for). The calculator will determine how many weeks pregnant you are as of that date.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is gestational age calculated from LMP rather than conception?
A: LMP is used because most women can recall this date, while conception date is often unknown. Ovulation typically occurs about 2 weeks after LMP.

Q2: What if I don't know my LMP exactly?
A: An ultrasound in early pregnancy can help estimate gestational age if LMP is uncertain. The first trimester ultrasound is most accurate for dating.

Q3: How does this relate to my due date?
A: The estimated due date (EDD) is typically 40 weeks (280 days) from the first day of your LMP.

Q4: What if my cycles aren't regular?
A: This calculation assumes a 28-day cycle. If your cycles are significantly longer or irregular, the calculation may be less accurate.

Q5: When should I see a doctor for pregnancy confirmation?
A: It's recommended to schedule your first prenatal visit when you're about 6-8 weeks pregnant (4-6 weeks after conception).