Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Gestational age refers to the time that has passed from which of the following?

1. the age of the mother when conception occurred.

2. implantation to birth.

3. the start of the fetal period of development to birth.

4. conception to birth.

The correct answer is: conception to birth.

Gestational age refers to the time that has elapsed from conception to birth. This measurement is crucial in obstetrics as it helps in assessing the developmental progress of the fetus. By calculating gestational age from the moment of conception, healthcare providers can estimate the expected due date and monitor fetal development while also evaluating prenatal care timelines. The other options do not accurately represent the standard definition of gestational age. For instance, gestational age does not start at the age of the mother, nor does it begin with implantation or the fetal period. The typical clinical practice is to measure from conception (or the first day of the last menstrual period, which approximates conception for practical purposes) to birth, making the understanding of gestational age essential for proper prenatal care and interventions.