Pronunciation: [fˈiːtə͡l ˈe͡ɪd͡ʒ] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of "fetal age" is /ˈfiː.təl eɪdʒ/. The first syllable is pronounced as "fee" with a long "e" sound followed by a "tuh" sound. The second syllable is pronounced as "uhl" with a short "e" sound, followed by a "dʒ" sound. "Fetal age" refers to the length of time since conception, measured in weeks from the estimated date of delivery, and is an important factor in the monitoring of a pregnancy's progress.
Fetal age refers to the measurement of the time elapsed since fertilization or conception in the developmental stage of a human fetus. It is used to determine the duration of the pregnancy by estimating the number of weeks that have passed since fertilization occurred. Fetal age is commonly expressed in weeks and days.
During the early stages of fetal development, the age is typically calculated from the first day of the mother's last menstrual period (LMP) since it can be challenging to determine the exact date of conception. This conventional approach assumes that conception typically occurs around two weeks after the LMP, coinciding with the release of the egg and the possibility of fertilization.
Accurate knowledge of fetal age is crucial for assessing fetal growth and development milestones, monitoring the progress of the pregnancy, and determining the expected due date. It serves as a fundamental parameter for healthcare professionals to provide appropriate prenatal care and ensure the well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus.
Medical professionals utilize various methods to estimate fetal age, including ultrasound imaging, measurement of the size of the uterus, physical examination of the fetus, as well as the mother's reports of her menstrual cycle and previous pregnancies. These techniques collectively aid in determining the stage of fetal development and provide essential information for managing the pregnancy effectively.
The term "fetal age" is a compound term with two different etymologies:
1. Fetal:
The word "fetal" comes from the Latin word "fētālis", which is derived from "fētus", meaning "offspring" or "young one". In Latin, "fētus" specifically referred to the unborn or the developing offspring in the womb. Over time, it entered the English language to refer to the stage of development before birth.
2. Age:
The word "age" comes from the Old French word "aage", which originated from the Latin word "aetas". "Aetas" meant "period of time" or "lifetime". This Latin term eventually evolved into "age" in English.
So, when combined, "fetal age" refers to the period of time or the stage of development of an unborn offspring in the womb.
