The "real age" of a pregnancy, often referred to as gestational age, is calculated from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period (LMP) to the current date. This is measured in weeks. A typical pregnancy lasts between 38 and 42 weeks. Infants born before 37 weeks are considered premature.
Understanding Gestational Age
- Calculation: Gestational age is calculated from the first day of the LMP, not the date of conception. This is because pinpointing the exact date of conception is difficult.
- Normal Range: While the average pregnancy is around 40 weeks, a healthy pregnancy can range from 38 to 42 weeks.
- Premature Birth: Babies born before 37 weeks are considered premature and may require specialized medical care.
Factors Influencing Pregnancy Length and Age of Mother at Birth
While gestational age focuses on the pregnancy itself, the age of the mother at the time of birth is a separate, yet related, factor. Several studies highlight that the average age of mothers at first birth has changed over time and varies across different demographics. For example, some research indicates an increase in the average age of mothers at first birth in recent years. However, a woman's reproductive years generally span from ages 12 to 51, with fertility naturally declining with age. It's important to note that while fertility declines with age, it does not abruptly end at a specific age.
Note: The provided links offer various insights into gestational age, pregnancy length, and fertility trends over time, but do not directly define a single "real age" of pregnancy beyond the gestational age calculation.
