Pediatrics
New Ballard Score (Gestational Age)
Estimates gestational age of newborns via physical and neuromuscular exam.
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Parameters
New Ballard Score (Gestational Age) Result
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Formula
Gestational Age (weeks) = (Total Ballard Score × 0.4) + 24
where Total Score = Sum of 6 Neuromuscular signs + 6 Physical signs (Range: -10 to 50 points = 20 to 44 weeks).Clinical Pearls
The gold standard neonatal physical examination score for determining gestational age when prenatal ultrasound dates are unavailable or unreliable.
Limitations
Optimal examination time is within the first 12 to 24 hours of life; neurological tone can be temporarily blunted by maternal sedatives or birth asphyxia.