The Ballard score is based on the neonate's physical and neuromuscular maturity and can be used up to 4 days after birth (in practice, the Ballard score is usually used in the first 24 hours). The neuromuscular components are more consistent over time because the physical components mature quickly after birth.
How accurate is the Ballard Score?
Newborn physical examination findings are also used by clinicians to estimate gestational age, using the new Ballard score. The Ballard score is accurate only within plus or minus 2 weeks.
What is a negative Ballard Score?
The New Ballard Score allows scores of −1 for the criteria, hence making negative scores possible. The possible scores then range from −10 to 50, the gestational range extending up to 20 weeks. (A simple formula to come directly to the age from the Ballard Score is Age= ( (2*score)+120)) / 5.
