Table of contents
What is gestational age calculation?
Determining the gestational age means calculating the time that has passed since the beginning of pregnancy, usually expressed in weeks. This age is usually calculated from the date of ovulation or conception, which is usually about 14 days after the first day of the last period. This date can be affected by individual factors and the length of the menstrual cycle. Methods such as ultrasound and examination of clinical symptoms are also used for more accuracy. Knowing the exact age of pregnancy is essential as a pregnancy calendar to monitor fetal growth and estimate delivery time. This issue plays an important role in prenatal care.
gestational age calculation in ivf
In pregnancies resulting from IVF operation IVF (extrauterine fertilization), the calculation of gestational age is more accurate because the date of conception and embryo transfer is known. But usually, the gestational age is not calculated from the day of embryo transfer, but from the day of ovulation, which is usually 2 weeks before embryo transfer. Due to the high accuracy in determining the exact time of pregnancy, this method is important for better follow-up of fetal growth and birth planning.
The importance of accurately determining the gestational age
Calculating gestational age is very important for timely and correct care during pregnancy. This age helps the doctor determine the right time to perform tests, ultrasounds and assess the development of the fetus. Also, accurate estimation of the delivery date allows the mother and the medical team to plan for the birth and prevent possible complications. In high-risk pregnancies, accuracy in determining gestational age becomes more important. In general, this work guarantees the health of the mother and the baby.Methods for determining gestational age
There are different methods to determine the gestational age, each of which is used depending on the condition of the mother and the time of pregnancy. Knowing these methods helps doctors to provide better care for the mother and the fetus.
1. Determination of gestational age based on the date of the last menstrual period (LMP)
Estimating the gestational age based on the last menstrual period is one of the simplest and most common methods. In this method, the gestational age is calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period and is relatively accurate for women who have regular menstrual cycles. This method helps the doctor to determine the approximate date of delivery and the time to perform important tests during pregnancy. However, in cases where menstruation is irregular or the mother does not have an exact date of her last period, the accuracy of this method may decrease.
English text:
babycenter
If your menstrual cycle length is the average length (28-day cycle), your period probably started about two weeks before you conceived. This explains why pregnancies are said to last 40 weeks instead of 38 weeks.
Text translation:
If the length of your menstrual cycle is average, i.e. 28 days, your period probably started about two weeks before conception. This is why pregnancies are usually said to be 40 weeks instead of 38 weeks.
2. Determining gestational age by ultrasound
Ultrasound is one of the most accurate ways to determine pregnancy age, especially in the first trimester. In this method, the age of the fetus is accurately estimated by measuring the caudal-caudal length of the fetus (CRL) or other growth indicators. Ultrasound helps the doctor to determine the approximate date of delivery and better evaluate the development of the fetus. This method is especially useful when the date of the last menstrual period is uncertain or irregular. In more advanced stages of pregnancy, it is possible to estimate the gestational age by measuring different fetal parameters, but its accuracy is less than in the first trimester.
3. Diagnosis of gestational age based on beta number
Pregnancy age estimation from Beta test and β-hCG (beta) hormone number alone cannot determine the exact age of pregnancy, but it can be a sign of the existence and progress of pregnancy. Beta levels in the blood usually begin to rise after conception and increase rapidly in the early weeks of pregnancy. By measuring the level of this hormone at different times, one can estimate the early stages of pregnancy and be sure of the health of the fetus and its normal growth process. However, accurate determination of gestational age is usually done with the help of ultrasound or other clinical methods, because the level of β-hCG is affected by various factors and cannot be a reliable measure alone.
English text:
perinatology
Human chorionic gonadotropin first becomes detectable in the mother's blood and urine between 6 and 14 days after fertilization (3 to 4 weeks gestational age).
4. Other methods of determining gestational age
In addition to common methods such as the date of the last period and ultrasound, there are other methods to determine the age of pregnancy. Physical examination is one of these methods in which the doctor provides an estimate of the gestational age by measuring the height of the uterus and examining clinical symptoms; This method is mostly used in the second and third trimesters and is less accurate than ultrasound.
More recent methods include pregnancy MRI, which is used to more accurately assess fetal growth and determine gestational age, especially in complex cases or when ultrasound is limited. Although MRI is more complementary, in certain situations it can provide valuable information about the age and status of the fetus.
| Gestational age determination method | Brief description | Use and limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Date of last menstrual period (LMP) | Gestational age is calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period. | – Simple and common – Accurate in women with menstrual cycle Regular – Less accurate in cases of irregular menstruation or lack of accurate recall |
| Ultrasonography | Measurement of fetal cervi-caudal length (CRL) and other growth indicators are used to accurately estimate the age of the fetus. | – The most accurate method, especially in the first trimester – Useful in cases of uncertain menstrual dates – Less accurate in advanced stages Pregnancy | Physical examination (uterine height, clinical symptoms) and MRI are performed to assess fetal growth and estimate gestational age. | - Physical examination is used in the second and third trimester with less accuracy than ultrasound - MRI is used in complex and complementary cases. |
The best method for determining pregnancy age
The best method is usually ultrasound in the first trimester of pregnancy, because by accurately measuring the length of the seri-caudal fetus, it can estimate the gestational age with a very low error. This method is more accurate than determining age based on the date of the last menstrual period, especially when the mother does not remember the exact date of her period or has an irregular menstrual cycle. Ultrasound in the first trimester allows the doctor to plan better for pregnancy care and delivery time. Of course, in special cases such as IVF pregnancies, the date of conception is the most accurate basis for determining the age of pregnancy.
Conclusion and guide to see a doctor
Determining the gestational age is very important for the health of the mother and fetus and helps to plan timely care. Various methods such as ultrasound and checking the menstrual history are used for this purpose. It is recommended that pregnant mothers visit a gynecologist or an obstetrician as soon as possible so that the exact gestational age can be determined and the necessary care can be started. Regular follow-up and tests guarantee a healthy and safe pregnancy.
Your doctor takes care of your health!
