Estimation of gestational age: implications for developmental research.

Recent research in neonatology and obstetrics has challenged the validity of standard gestational age assessment methods. Length of gestation is a central component of research on the development of at-risk infants, yet issues concerning accuracy of this information are rarely addressed by developmental researchers. This article reviews prenatal and postnatal methods of gestational age estimation and evaluates implementation of this information in research. Recommendations concerning the assignment of gestational age in the perinatal period and the use of age correction for preterm infants are offered.