A score of zero on the New Ballard Score indicated how many weeks gestation?

A score of zero on the New Ballard Score indicates a gestational age of 24 weeks. The New Ballard Score is a clinical assessment tool used to estimate the gestational age of newborns based on physical and neurological criteria. At 24 weeks gestation, infants exhibit significant immaturity in the physical characteristics assessed by this scoring system, such as skin texture, ear structure, and the presence of lanugo, among others.

Each score assigned correlates with specific maturation levels, and a score of zero represents extreme prematurity. This understanding of gestation stages is crucial for healthcare professionals, as it guides decisions regarding care and interventions for preterm infants.