New Ballard Score (Gestational Age Maturity)

Estimates a newborn’s gestational age from a structured exam of neuromuscular and physical maturity signs (validated from extremely preterm through post-term) when obstetric dating is unavailable or uncertain.

Sex (selects which genitals item is scored)

Posture

Square window (wrist flexion)

Arm recoil

Popliteal angle

Scarf sign

Heel to ear

Skin

Lanugo

Plantar surface (creases / heel-toe length)

Breast

Eye / Ear

Genitals – male (used only if Sex = Male)

Genitals – female (used only if Sex = Female)