What does the Ballard score assess?

The Ballard score evaluates 6 neuromuscular maturity criteria (posture, square window, arm recoil, popliteal angle, scarf sign, heel to ear) and 6 physical maturity criteria (skin, lanugo, plantar surface, breast, eye/ear, genitals).

What is the range of the Ballard score?

The New Ballard Score ranges from -10 to 50, corresponding to gestational ages of 20 to 44 weeks. Each 2-point increment corresponds to approximately 1 week of gestational age.

When should the Ballard score be performed?

The Ballard score should be performed within 12-20 hours of birth for optimal accuracy, before excessive environmental influences alter the neuromuscular findings.

Ballard Gestational Age Score

Estimate gestational age from Ballard score assessing neuromuscular maturity and physical maturity criteria (total score correlates to gestational age 20-44 weeks).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Ballard score assess?

What is the range of the Ballard score?

When should the Ballard score be performed?