gestational age assessment


gestational age assessment

1. Estimation of the prenatal age of the fetus, typically by reviewing the pregnant woman's menstrual history, making measurements of fundal height, or by making ultrasonic measurements of fetal parts. This information is essential so that appropriately timed obstetrical care can be provided and the pregnancy's progress can be compared with normal standards. See: amniocentesis; fundal height2. Estimation of newborn maturity; comparison of newborn assessment findings against the expected physical and neuromuscular characteristics consistent with a given point in gestation. See: Dubowitz tool; large for gestational age; small for gestational ageSee also: assessment