How To Calculate Pregnancy Age Properly, As A Patokan For Baby Birth Day

How to calculate gestational age (Freepic)

YOGYAKARTA - Knowing the gestational age is very important for pregnant women to monitor fetal development and schedule examinations. In addition, this step is also needed to determine the estimated birth date (due date). So how to properly calculate pregnancy age?

Some women who are pregnant for the first time may not understand how to calculate pregnancy age. Although for pregnant women it will seem confusing, there are several ways that can be done to calculate it. The gestational age is calculated from the time of fertilization in the uterus to the time of birth.

Usually the gestation period that a woman undergoes will last about 280 days or 40 weeks from the first day of her last menstruation (HPHT). To find out how to calculate pregnancy age, see the explanation below.

Not marked by the first day the fetus develops, but the gestational age is calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period. The calculation of pregnancy period is generally divided into three trimester as follows:

More detailed calculations regarding gestational age can be done in two ways, namely through the HPHT and ultrasound method. Here are the steps you need to follow to calculate pregnancy age

One way that is often used to calculate gestational age is to determine the last menstrual date before pregnancy. This method is known as Naegele's formula. This method is considered the most suitable for women who have a regular menstrual cycle of 28 days.

The first step is to determine the date of the Last Day of Haid (HPHT). After that, add 40 weeks from that date to calculate the estimated birthday. This calculation is based on the assumption that pregnancy lasts for 9 months or 40 weeks, equivalent to 280 days. By calculating the estimated date of birth, the gestational age can also be determined.

Here are the calculation simulations:

The following is an example of calculation if HPHT occurs on July 22, 2020, this is the calculation:

Based on these calculations, the estimated baby will be born, namely on April 29, 2021. However, this method may not be accurate enough if a woman has an irregular menstrual cycle. As another way, you can calculate pregnancy age through the ultrasound method.

You can consult a doctor to find out your gestational age. An obstetrician will conduct a transvaginal physical and ultrasound examination to get more accurate results regarding gestational age.

Ultrasound is more accurate in determining the gestational age if done in the early stages of pregnancy. This is due to fetal development which tends to be stable during the first few weeks.

But over time, the speed of fetal growth can vary. The fetus may grow rapidly in a certain month, then slow down in the following month. Therefore, ultrasound performed in the final trimester aims to monitor fetal growth, not to determine the gestational age.

That's an explanation of how to properly calculate pregnancy age that pregnant women need to understand. Bumil, which has a regular menstrual cycle, can use the HPHT method to calculate gestational age. But for pregnant women with irregular menstruation, it is recommended for ultrasound. Also read how much LiLA is normal for pregnant women.

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