gestational age

Gestation is the period of time between conception and birth during which the fetus grows and develops inside the mother's womb.

Gestational age is the time measured from the first day of the woman's last menstrual cycle to the current date. It is measured in weeks. A pregnancy of normal gestation is approximately 40 weeks, with a normal range of 38 to 42 weeks.

Infants born before 37 weeks are considered premature. Infants born after 42 weeks are considered postmature. The gestational maturity rating is measured by the Ballard scale or Dubowitz exam.