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 simple formula:

Where:

• LMP Date — First day of last menstrual period
• Current Date — Today's date or any specified date

Explanation: The calculation counts the number of days between the two dates and converts them to weeks by dividing by 7.

3. Importance of Gestational Age Calculation

Details: Accurate gestational age is crucial for monitoring fetal development, scheduling prenatal tests, determining due date, and making clinical decisions throughout pregnancy.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the first day of your last menstrual period and the current date (defaults to today). The calculator will display the gestational age in weeks and days.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is LMP used instead of conception date?
A: LMP is used because most women can recall their last period date, while conception date is often unknown.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides an estimate. Ultrasound measurements in early pregnancy can provide more accurate dating.

Q3: What if my cycles are irregular?
A: The LMP method assumes regular 28-day cycles. If your cycles are irregular, the calculation may be less accurate.

Q4: When should I see a doctor for pregnancy confirmation?
A: It's recommended to schedule your first prenatal visit when you have a positive pregnancy test or around 8 weeks gestation.

Q5: How is this different from fetal age?
A: Fetal age is the actual age of the fetus (typically 2 weeks less than gestational age), as conception usually occurs about 2 weeks after LMP.