Gestational age assessment new ballard score
The New Ballard Score (NBS) is a widely used method for assessing gestational age in newborns. It is a modification of the original Ballard Score, which was developed by Dr. Martin L. Ballard in the 1970s.
The New Ballard Score is based on a combination of physical examination findings and is used to estimate gestational age in newborns from 20 to 42 weeks of gestation. The score is calculated by assigning points to various physical characteristics, such as:
- Head shape and fontanelles
- Ear size and shape
- Eye size and shape
- Nose shape and size
- Mouth and lip shape
- Chest and abdominal circumference
- Limb length and proportion
- Skin thickness and texture
- Muscle tone
- Reflexes
Each characteristic is assigned a score from 0 to 3, with 0 being the most immature and 3 being the most mature. The scores are then added up to give a total score, which is used to estimate gestational age.
The New Ballard Score is calculated as follows:
- Total score = (Head score + Ear score + Eye score + Nose score + Mouth score + Chest score + Abdomen score + Limb score + Skin score + Muscle tone score + Reflex score)
The total score is then used to estimate gestational age using a nomogram or a table. The estimated gestational age is usually rounded to the nearest week.
Here is an example of how to calculate the New Ballard Score:
- Head score: 2 (normal head shape and fontanelles)
- Ear score: 2 (normal ear size and shape)
- Eye score: 2 (normal eye size and shape)
- Nose score: 2 (normal nose shape and size)
- Mouth score: 2 (normal mouth and lip shape)
- Chest score: 2 (normal chest circumference)
- Abdomen score: 2 (normal abdominal circumference)
- Limb score: 2 (normal limb length and proportion)
- Skin score: 2 (normal skin thickness and texture)
- Muscle tone score: 2 (normal muscle tone)
- Reflex score: 2 (normal reflexes)
Total score = 20
Using a nomogram or table, the estimated gestational age would be approximately 38 weeks.
The New Ballard Score is a useful tool for estimating gestational age in newborns, but it is not without limitations. It is important to note that the score is not always accurate and should be used in conjunction with other methods, such as ultrasound, to confirm gestational age.