Gestational age

Gestational age is the amount of time a fetus spends growing inside the mother’s uterus. Gestational age is related to the stage of development of the fetus as well as its cognitive and physical development. The gestational age of a fetus is especially important in determining the potential negative effects of fetal exposure to toxins or infection, and it has a direct impact on the planning of appropriate medical treatment for such situations.

There are two stages of gestation: embryonic and fetal. The fetal period, which comes before the embryonic period, begins at week 10 of pregnancy and lasts until birth. Prenatal development milestones are associated with gestational ages. For example, by 7 to 8 weeks of gestation, all of the vital organs, as well as the bones and cartilage, have begun to form. The genitalia have formed by the gestational age of weeks 9 to 13, and the entire fetus weighs about 1 oz (0.06 pounds). 

The fetus’s eyes have developed by week 21 to 23, and the fetal heartbeat can be heard with a stethoscope. Fetal development is complete by 40 weeks.As a result, a normal pregnancy has a gestational range of 38 to 42 weeks, with 40 weeks considered full-term. Premature infants are those born with a gestational age of less than 38 weeks and are at a higher risk of illness and death.

What is Gestational age?

The date of the last menstrual period, as well as an examination of the newborn infant using the Dubowitz or Ballard score, can be used to calculate gestational age. The Ballard score is a condensed version of the Dubowitz score that is particularly useful in estimating gestational age in premature babies.

AGA (appropriate for gestational age): the baby’s weight is appropriate for gestational age (weight between 10th and 90th percentile)

SGA (small for gestational age): a baby’s weight is lower than expected for the gestational age (weight less than 10th percentile). An SGA baby, unlike a preterm baby, is small due to slow growth caused by fetal growth retardation.

LGA (large for gestational age): a baby’s weight is greater than expected for the gestational age (weight more than the 90th percentile).

What is a small gestational age?

Small for gestational age refers to a baby that is smaller than the average amount for the number of weeks of pregnancy. Birth Weights for SGA babies are typically lower than the 10th percentile for babies of the same gestational age. This means they are smaller than many other babies their gestational age.

SGA babies appear physically and neurologically mature, but they are smaller than other babies their gestational age. SGA babies can be proportionately small (equally small all over) or normal length and size but with lower weight and body mass. SGA babies can be premature (born before 37 weeks), full term (born between 37 and 41 weeks), or post term (born after 42 weeks).

Causes of small gestational age

SGA may be caused by growth issues prior to birth. This could be because of:

• The baby is deficient in nutrients and oxygen.

• A uterus that is small

• Exposure to particular substances

• During pregnancy, infections or long-term illnesses can occur.

• Birth flaws

• Gene-related issues

A baby may be small because both parents are small. These babies are developing normally. They are simply small in comparison to others their age.

Prevention of small gestational age

Prenatal care is essential in all pregnancies, but it is especially important in detecting problems with foetal growth. Stopping smoking and using substances such as drugs and alcohol are essential for a healthy pregnancy and can lower the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths. Eating a healthy diet while pregnant may also be beneficial.

Diagnosis

SGA is frequently diagnosed before a baby is born. The mother will be examined physically. The mother’s belly, weight, and uterus will be measured (womb). They are calculated according to the number of weeks of pregnancy. The baby may be smaller than average if the measurements are low. SGA can also be detected at birth based on a baby’s weight and height.

An ultrasound can be used to obtain images during pregnancy.

Symptoms

SGA the symptoms of the include a weight that is in the bottom 10% of babies of the same gestational age.

Conclusion

Gestational age is the amount of time a foetus spends growing inside the mother’s uterus. Gestational age is related to the stage of development of the foetus as well as its cognitive and physical development. The gestational age of a foetus is especially important in determining the potential negative effects of foetal exposure to toxins or infection, and it has a direct impact on the planning of appropriate medical treatment for such situations. Premature infants are those born with a gestational age of less than 38 weeks and are at a higher risk of illness and death. The date of the last menstrual period, as well as an examination of the newborn infant using the Dubowitz or Ballard score, can be used to calculate gestational age.