1. What is Patient Gestation Calculation?

Patient gestation calculation determines the number of weeks of pregnancy based on the last menstrual period (LMP) and current date. This is a standard method used in obstetrics to estimate gestational age.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gestation calculation formula:

Where:

• \( Current\ Date \) — Today's date or specified assessment date
• \( LMP \) — First day of last menstrual period
• \( \left\lfloor \right\rfloor \) — Floor function (rounds down to nearest integer)

Explanation: The calculation determines the number of complete weeks between the LMP and current date, providing the gestational age in weeks.

3. Importance of Gestation Calculation

Details: Accurate gestation calculation is essential for monitoring fetal development, scheduling prenatal tests, determining expected delivery date, and assessing fetal growth milestones.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the current date (or assessment date) and the first day of the last menstrual period. Ensure dates are entered in the correct format (YYYY-MM-DD).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use LMP instead of conception date?
A: LMP is more reliably known than conception date and is the standard reference point in obstetrics for calculating gestational age.

Q2: How accurate is gestation calculation from LMP?
A: It provides a good estimate, but ultrasound dating in early pregnancy (first trimester) is more accurate for confirming gestational age.

Q3: What if the menstrual cycle is irregular?
A: For women with irregular cycles, LMP-based calculation may be less accurate. Ultrasound dating is recommended in these cases.

Q4: When should gestation be calculated?
A: Ideally at the first prenatal visit and confirmed with early ultrasound. Regular updates help track pregnancy progress.

Q5: What is considered full term gestation?
A: Full term is 39-40 weeks gestation. Delivery between 37-42 weeks is considered term, while before 37 weeks is preterm.