Using the New Ballard Score, which physical finding supports a gestational age of 36-38 weeks rather than 32-34 weeks?
- A.Abundant lanugo covering the entire body
- B.Transparent, gelatinous skin with visible veins
- C.Predominantly anterior plantar creases covering two-thirds of the sole
- D.Breast bud absent with no areola pigmentation
Show answer & rationale
Correct answer
C. Predominantly anterior plantar creases covering two-thirds of the sole
Rationale
C is correct: Plantar creases develop progressively with gestational age. At 36-38 weeks, creases are present over the anterior two-thirds of the sole. At 32-34 weeks, only 1-2 faint creases appear on the anterior sole. By term (40 weeks), creases cover the entire sole. A is incorrect: Abundant lanugo is a characteristic of more premature infants (28-32 weeks); it begins to thin and shed closer to term. B is incorrect: Transparent, gelatinous skin with prominent veins is seen in very premature infants (<28 weeks). More mature skin is thicker and less transparent. D is incorrect: Absence of breast bud and areola is consistent with earlier gestational ages (<34 weeks); at 36-38 weeks, a small breast bud (1-2 mm) with stippled areola is expected.
Key concepts