Issues in pregnancy dating: revisiting the evidence.
As the end point date in pregnancy, the estimated date of delivery provides guidance for the timing of specific prenatal tests, gauges fetal growth, and informs critical decision making for specific obstetric complications. It is prudent to use the most evidenced-based methods available to accurately determine gestational age. This article explores the accuracy of both menstrual and ultrasound dating techniques and discusses some of the issues and limitations for each method. In addition, a simple formula called the rule of eights can be used to determine a final estimated date of delivery when a discrepancy between menstrual and ultrasound dating occurs.
Hunter
Linda A
LA
Nurse-Midwifery Division, Women& Infants Hospital, 101 Dudley St., Providence, RI 02905, USA. lhunter@wihri.org
D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal