Gestational Age

Question 1

What is the definition of gestational age?

Answer 1

Gestational age refers to the duration of pregnancy measured in weeks from the first day of the mother’s last normal menstrual period to the day of delivery. The average gestational age is 40 weeks (280 days).

Question 2

What is the technique used to determine gestational age based on the last menstrual period?

Answer 2

Date of Last Menstrual Period (LMP) relies on accurate recall of the first day of the last normal period.

Question 3

At how many weeks post-menses can pregnancy be diagnosed via early ultrasound?

Answer 3

Pregnancy can be diagnosed via ultrasound at 5 weeks post-menses.

Question 4

What is the crown-rump length used for in the first trimester?

Answer 4

It assesses gestational age (GA) within ±3 to 5 days.

Question 5

What is the accuracy of cephalometry-biparietal diameter measurements before and after 34 weeks?

Answer 5

Before 34 weeks: Can assess GA ±10 days; After 34 weeks: Can assess GA ±3 weeks.

Question 6

What method is used to classify newborns by gestational age?

Answer 6

Classification of Newborns by Gestational Age includes:
* Late Preterm: 34-36 6/7 weeks
* Preterm: Less than 37 weeks
* Term: 37-41 weeks
* Post-term: Greater than 42 weeks.

Question 7

What are the classifications of newborns by size?

Answer 7

Classifications of Newborns by Size include:
* Small for Gestational Age (SGA): Weight < 10th percentile
* Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA): Weight 10-90th percentile
* Large for Gestational Age (LGA): Weight > 90th percentile.

Question 8

What is Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)?

Answer 8

Weight 2 standard deviations below length or head circumference. May or may not be SGA.

Question 9

What characterizes Symmetrically SGA/IUGR?

Answer 9

All parameters below the 10th percentile, often due to chromosomal abnormalities or congenital infections.

Question 10

What characterizes Asymmetrically SGA/IUGR?

Answer 10

Only one or two parameters below the 10th percentile; head growth often spared; usually due to poor uteroplacental function.

Question 11

What are Discordant Twins?

Answer 11

Significant size or weight differences between twins, defined by a 20% difference in weight or 2cm difference in abdominal circumference.

Question 12

What are the neuromuscular criteria of the Ballard Score?

Answer 12

Neuromuscular criteria include:
* Posture
* Square Window
* Arm Recoil
* Popliteal Angle
* Scarf Sign
* Heel-to-Ear.

Question 13

What are the physical criteria of the Ballard Score?

Answer 13

Physical criteria include:
* Skin
* Lanugo
* Plantar Surface
* Breast Tissue
* Eyes/Ears
* Genitalia.

Question 14

What is the significance of the Ballard Score?

Answer 14

It is a reliable method for assessing GA using 6 neuromuscular and 6 physical criteria.

Question 15

What is the adequate time frame for the accuracy of the Ballard Score post-birth?

Answer 15

Most accurate when performed by two separate examiners within the first 12 hours after birth. Reliable for up to 4 days post-birth.

Question 16

True or False: The Ballard Score is less reliable after 4 days post-birth.

Answer 16

True.

Question 17

What are the characteristics of skin in premature versus mature infants?

Answer 17

Premature: Translucent, visible vessels; Mature: Thickened, opaque, and cracking.

Question 18

Fill in the blank: The Ballard Score assesses gestational age using _______ neuromuscular criteria and _______ physical criteria.

Answer 18

6 neuromuscular criteria and 6 physical criteria.

Question 19

What is the main focus of the neurological exam for gestational age?

Answer 19

Tone, posture, square window, arm recoil, popliteal angle, scarf sign, heel-to-ear.

Question 20

What happens to tone as gestational age increases?

Answer 20

Tone improves with increasing GA: Legs > arms > head.