Gestogram: What Is It And How Does It Work?

During pregnancy, the expectant mother has thousands of doubts and concerns. These questions range from how the baby develops to what things should be done and what not. To help answer all these questions, there is an instrument that serves both mothers and specialists : the gestogram, and its use is much simpler than one might imagine.

What is a gestogram?

It has different names: gestogram, pregnancy wheel or gestation disc. It is a kind of calculation table that allows you to have a weekly control of the pregnancy. Simplifies and allows you to have at hand relevant data during pregnancy.

It looks like a cardboard or cardboard wheel with concentric rings. On the outside it has a circular calendar in which you can see the days of the year. On the inside there are two wheels with the approximate size and weight of the fetus according to the week of gestation.

This tool allows you to discover data of great interest to the mother, such as:

• The weekly growth of the fetus.
• The estimated weight of the fetus.
• The estimated date of delivery.

The gestogram also helps to have more specific information. For example, the biparietal diameter (measured in millimeters of the distance between the parietal bones) and the size of the baby’s femur.

Due to its practicality, the use of this pregnancy calculation tool has gained recognition over time. It can usually be found in pharmacies or specialized centers. Lately, the use of the gestogram has even become popular through the Internet.

How does a gestogram work?

The first thing you should keep in mind when using a gestogram is to know the precise date of the last menstrual cycle. The gestogram is based on 40 weeks as the duration of the pregnancy.

Its use is not complicated. The device has a flag that must be located on the date of the last period. Later, the set of rings that compose it will indicate data about the baby’s development.

This amount of data and information allows the pregnant woman to make predictions and establish actions for a better pregnancy.

Use of interest

In addition to satisfying the mother’s curiosity, knowledge of the baby’s development has practical uses. A woman who, for example, wants to stimulate her baby, must know what week of pregnancy it is.

Following this example, by the 17th week the baby can already hear his mother’s voice. This is an ideal time for the mother to start talking to him or singing. It is a way to strengthen a bond that can be strengthened during pregnancy. By the 25th week the ear is already mature, so it’s a good time to play music.

What we see is just one of the uses that the gestogram can have. In addition to medical control, it is a way to enjoy the relationship with the baby.

Is the gestogram reliable?

The data that the gestogram provides  is completely reliable and has proven scientific support. However, you should always keep in mind that calculations are approximate, that is, they indicate values ​​by average.

So, you don’t need to be stressed if your baby doesn’t have a measurement exactly the same as what the gestogram you are using indicates. The important thing is to take note of its approximate and referential character.

In any case, it is always essential to consult a gynecologist to have an accurate view of the progress of the pregnancy. Gestograms do not replace the analysis and methods that doctors have for each case. Although it is very likely that the expert’s conclusions are similar to those given by the gestogram, they are not a substitute for it.

This curious instrument is very useful. And besides, it’s very simple, made on cardboard and with lots of data inside, similar in shape to an ancient Mayan calendar. Without the existence of the gestogram medical appointments would be more complicated and calculations more complex.