Ballard Maturational Assessment
Ballard Maturational Assessment
The Ballard Maturational Assessment (pronunciation: /ˈbæl.ərd/ /ˌmætʃəˈreɪʃənəl/ /əˈsɛsmənt/) is a comprehensive examination used to determine the gestational age of newborns. It was developed by Dr. Jeanne Ballard in the late 20th century.
Etymology
The term is named after Dr. Jeanne Ballard, who developed the assessment. The word 'maturational' is derived from the Latin 'maturare', meaning 'to ripen', and 'assessment' comes from the Latin 'assessus', meaning 'a sitting by'.
Description
The Ballard Maturational Assessment is a neonatal examination that evaluates both the physical and neurological maturity of a newborn. It is typically performed within the first few days of life. The assessment includes a series of measurements and observations that are used to estimate the gestational age of the newborn. This can help healthcare providers to identify potential health issues and to plan appropriate care.
Related Terms
- Gestational Age: The age of an unborn baby, usually calculated from the first day of the mother's last menstrual period.
- Neonatal: Pertaining to the first four weeks after birth.
- Neurological Maturity: The development of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
- Physical Maturity: The development of the body, including growth and the ability to move and use muscles.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ballard Maturational Assessment
- Wikipedia's article - Ballard Maturational Assessment
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