Which method is commonly used to assess gestational age in newborns?

The Ballard Score, also known as the Dubowitz assessment, is a commonly used method to assess gestational age in newborns. This tool evaluates both physical and neurological maturity, allowing healthcare providers to estimate the age of the infant based on specific criteria, such as skin texture, lanugo, and the presence of plantar creases.

The Ballard Score is particularly valuable in clinical settings, as it provides a systematic approach for estimating gestational age that can be crucial for managing care, predicting potential complications, and guiding developmental expectations. By assessing multiple criteria, clinicians can arrive at a more accurate understanding of the newborn's gestational age, which can significantly influence their care and monitoring needs.

In contrast, the Glasgow Coma Scale is designed to evaluate consciousness level and neurological status, the Apgar Score is a rapid assessment tool used to evaluate a newborn's physical condition immediately after birth, and the Newborn Assessment Protocol encompasses a broader range of evaluations without specifically focusing on determining gestational age. Therefore, the Ballard Score stands out as the preferred method for assessing gestational age in newborns.