gestational

gestational [jes-ta´shun-al]

pertaining to gestation.

gestational age the estimated age or stage of maturity of a conceptus. Gestational age of the newborn infant can be estimated by noting various physical characteristics that normally appear at each stage of fetal development. Gestational age assessment of the newborn is facilitated by using a scoring system such as the one developed by Dubowitz and Dubowitz, or a modification of it by Ballard.

As the preterm newborn emerges from the birth canal it will be covered with a rather heavy coating of vernix caseosa; the full-term newborn has only a small amount of this cheeselike substance in body creases and the hair. By the 40th to 42nd week of gestation the skin of the newborn is pale and opaque, whereas the skin of the baby born before this period of gestation may be thin and transparent; venules can be seen under the skin on the abdomen.

At about 20 weeks the body is covered with fine hair called lanugo, which begins to disappear as maturation continues, first from the face, then the trunk, and finally from the extremities. At nine months gestation lanugo is usually seen only over the shoulders. Wrinkling of the soles of the feet is another indication of the newborn's gestational age. It occurs first near the toes and progresses toward the heels so that by the 40th week the entire sole is covered with creases. The preterm newborn will have smooth soles with only a few creases. “Cotton wool” hair that tends to stick together in small bunches so that it is difficult to distinguish one strand from another is common until the 38th week of gestation. This sign is of less significance in black infants. Cartilage of the ear can also be used to assess gestational age. Until about 32 or 33 weeks the pinnae stay folded when bent inward; by 36 weeks they spring back when released. At term they are firm enough to stand erect from the sides of the head.

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gestational

pertaining to or emanating from gestation.

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gestational age

the age of the fetus in terms of time lapse, e.g. three month fetus, or in terms of proportion of total gestational duration, e.g. first trimester fetus.

gestational failure

termination by fetal death and resorption, abortion, miscarriage.

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Patient discussion about gestational.

Q. How do I lose Pregnancy Weight? I have recently given birth to a beautiful baby. During the pregnancy I have gained 50 pounds, and now I am having difficulty losing the extra weight. Do you have tips on how to lose pregnancy weight?

A. Hi Elizabeth.... proper diet and physical activity after pregnancy is difficult with all the changes in your life... I am an obstetrician and have found an excellent resource you can check out on line. Though I have affiliated with Holly Rigsby's program , you can sign up for free and get some helpful information. I am still constructing my website:.... prenatalwebsite.com ...... but once you arrive just click postpartum diet and fitness. Definitely google Holly Rigsby CPT to see how well published she is on this subject.
I wish I could offer you advice but as you already are aware , a lot of your concerns will revolve around your weight.... diabetes relating to pregnancy is impacted by weight just like maturity onset diabetes . Juvenile diabetes is a result of a lack of insulin whereas later onset diabetes is related to an inability to respond to insulin....you should be managed closely by your doctor to get your sugar under control... take care, Doug

Q. What Exercises Can I Do During Pregnancy? I am 16 weeks pregnant. My doctor told me that doing some exercise would help with my back pain. Is it safe? What exercises can I do during pregnancy?

A. Exercising regularly during pregnancy is recommended. Previously athletic women can keep their exercise routine as it was prior to the pregnancy and it is considered safe. However, for women who have not exercised on a regular basis before pregnancy, it is recommended to start with slow-moderate physical activities such as swimming, walking, yoga and pelvic floor exercises, that can ease back pain and increase flexibility. The building of muscle strength is important both for late stages of pregnancy and for labor itself.

Q. What is an Ectopic Pregnancy? I've heard that an ectopic pregnancy can be very dangerous. What is exactly an ectopic pregnancy?

A. Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus- for example in the pelvis, behind the uterous, in the fallopian tube, in the cervix or even in the abdominal cavity. It is a very dangerous situation that requires immediate medical care.
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