title: Fetal assessment near the limits of viability.
abstract: Assessments of gestational age are critical in dealing with the pregnancy at the limits of viability, 22-25-weeks gestation, where neonatal outcomes reveal very significant differences from week to week. The obstetrical team can estimate gestational age within a window of 7-10 days during this critical threshold at the window of viability via determination of last menstrual period, bimanual exam, early pregnancy test, and/or ultrasound. One must also take into account the impact of maternal disease processes, congenital abnormalities, number of fetus(es), and/or fetal growth restriction, along with ongoing evaluation and parental involvement in this decision-making process during the peri-viability period.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555-0587. Electronic address: ghankins@utmb.edu.
authors.forename: Gary D V
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Hankins
authors.forename: Luis D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Pacheco
authors.forename: Tony
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Soo-Tung Wen
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005328:Fetal Viability; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D052577:Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight; D062071:Infant, Extremely Premature; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013997:Time Factors; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Assessment of gestation age; Limits of viability; Neonatal outcome