Which scoring method is used to assess the gestational age of a newborn from birth until five days old?

The Dubowitz score is designed specifically to assess the gestational age of newborns from birth until five days old. This scoring system evaluates physical and neurological criteria to estimate the maturity of the infant. It comprises a series of physical signs and neurological behaviors that are noted and scored, allowing healthcare providers to determine how developed the newborn is, which is crucial for creating an appropriate care plan.

The Apgar score, although critical for assessing the immediate condition of a newborn right after birth, is not used to estimate gestational age; instead, it measures aspects like heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex response, and color.

The Bishop score is utilized primarily in obstetrics to evaluate the readiness of the cervix for labor and does not pertain to newborn assessments.

The Finnegan score focuses on withdrawal symptoms in infants exposed to drugs in utero, making it unsuitable for assessing gestational age.

Thus, the Dubowitz score stands out as the appropriate tool for evaluating gestational maturity in the early days of life.