New Ballard Score

Name: New Ballard Score
Creator: Daniel Diaz-Gil, MD
Keywords: Ballard, New Ballard Score, NBS, gestational age, maturity, neonatal, newborn, preterm, neuromuscular, physical, assessment

Estimates gestational age using 6 neuromuscular and 6 physical maturity criteria (20-44 weeks)

Clinically Verified· 5 tests

For educational and informational purposes only. Verify all results before clinical application.

References

Ballard JL, Khoury JC, Wedig K, Wang L, Eilers-Walsman BL, Lipp R. New Ballard Score, expanded to include extremely premature infants. J Pediatr. 1991;119(3):417-423.[DOI]

Reviewed by Daniel Diaz-Gil, MD · Last updated March 2026

Medical disclaimer

This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional clinical judgment. Always independently verify results before making clinical decisions.

Professional Resources — Tools used by pediatricians for neonatal care

NRP Textbook, 8th EditionOfficial Neonatal Resuscitation Program textbook~$70via Amazon Manual of Neonatal Care, ClohertyPractical neonatal clinical reference~$65via Amazon