What is Difference Between Gestational Age and Fetal Age?

Difference Between Gestational Age and Fetal Age is that Gestational age is calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period. This calculation is used to detect the expected date of pregnancy. The age of the fetus is calculated from the actual date of conception. Ideally, the conception takes place approximately two weeks after the last menstruation and so the age of the fetus should always be two weeks less than the gestational age.

THE IMPORTANCE OF GESTATIONAL AGE

Gestational age is important as it helps to calculate and be aware of the development of the fetus. The total length of the gestational age is divided into three quarters or approximately 3 months each.

Fetal development varies in different trimesters and therefore gestational age and fetal age should be related to the growth of the fetus. Gestational age should match the height of the fundus and this is confirmed by ultrasound.

If the height of the uterine fundus is less than the gestational age, it is recommended to see your doctor to prevent any abnormality. If the weight of the fetus is less than gestational age, it shows that the fetus is small. If a fetus is born before the 37th week of gestation, it is a premature baby.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FETAL AGE

The age of the fetus is very important, since it determines whether the fetus is growing at a normal rate just like its internal organs. Fetal growth should always coincide with the age of the fetus and can be measured once a month after the beginning of pregnancy.

An ultrasound helps to find the age of the fetus therefore, the ultrasounds should be performed at least once a month after the first trimester, since if there is any complication with the fetal age they can attend it through a treatment, which can be done to prevent fatal complications for the fetus. Certain medical tests, such as neck stiffness tests and the abnormality of analysis are performed between week 12 and 13 to rule out any abnormal growth of the fetus.

Therefore, the evaluation of the age of the fetus is essential to ensure proper fetal growth. Gestational age can be easy to calculate, since it is the first day of the last menstruation, but the age of the fetus is based on assumptions, since it uses the date on which the fertilization was performed.

There are no visible external signs to determine that fertilization has taken place within the womb in the first or second week. Gestational age can be calculated manually and by examining the height of the uterine fundus, but fetal age is calculated by ultrasound.

The main objective when performing these checks is that both ages must match.

Summary

Gestational age calculates the gestation period from the first day of the last menstrual period. The fetal age calculates is calculated using the date of fertilization.