Chennai: Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) have collaborated to develop the first India-specific Artificial Intelligence (AI) model, named 'Garbhini-GA2', for precisely determining the gestational age (GA) of foetuses during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. This model, part of the GARBH-Ini program, addresses the inaccuracies of Western population-based formulas commonly used in India and significantly reduces estimation errors. The accurate determination of GA is crucial for proper maternal care and delivery date prediction.The study, published in Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia, highlights the importance of population-specific models in improving maternal and infant healthcare outcomes in India. The Garbhini-GA2 model, developed using Indian population data, outperformed existing Western-based models in accuracy. Its development involved a collaborative effort between clinicians and data scientists to ensure clinical relevance and integration into healthcare workflows.The research, led by Dr. Himanshu Sinha from IIT Madras and Dr. Shinjini Bhatnagar from THSTI, utilized advanced data science and AI techniques to enhance pregnancy care. The model, validated in South India, holds promise for widespread deployment across the country, potentially reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.Funding for the study came from various sources including the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, and the Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (RBCDSAI), IIT Madras. The study involved collaboration with several medical institutions across India and marks a significant advancement in improving pregnancy care and outcomes in the country.