Word: Gestational Age
Definition:
"Gestational age" is a noun that refers to the age of a developing baby (embryo or fetus) starting from the moment of fertilization. This means it counts how long the baby has been growing inside the mother’s body.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "gestational age" when talking about pregnancy and how far along a baby is in its development. It is often discussed in medical or health contexts.
Example Sentence:
"The doctor said that the gestational age of the baby is 12 weeks, which means it has been developing for three months since conception."
Advanced Usage:
In medical discussions, professionals may refer to gestational age when planning for prenatal care, estimating the due date, or assessing the health of the pregnancy. It is often measured in weeks.
Word Variants:
- Gestation (noun): The process of carrying or being carried in the womb between conception and birth. - Gestational (adjective): Relating to gestation. For example, "gestational diabetes" refers to diabetes that can develop during pregnancy.
Different Meaning:
While "gestational age" specifically refers to pregnancy, "gestation" can also refer more generally to the period of development in other animals.
Synonyms:
- Developmental age (though this term can be broader and apply to various stages of development, not just in pregnancy).
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to "gestational age." However, phrases like "due date" or "weeks along" are commonly used in the same context.
Summary:
"Gestational age" is an important term in pregnancy that helps describe how long a baby has been growing inside the mother.