What is full term?
On average, pregnancy typically lasts about 40 weeks, or 280 days. A pregnancy is considered full-term if it lasts between 39 weeks, 0 days and 40 weeks, 6 days. Babies who are born full-term have the best chances of being healthy.
Other terms your provider may use:
Preterm
Birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered premature. more info
Early term
Your baby is born between 37 weeks, 0 days and 38 weeks, 6 days.
Later term
Your baby is born between 41 weeks, 0 days and 41 weeks, 6 days.
Post term
Your baby is born after 42 weeks, 0 days.
Being pregnant for at least 39 weeks gives your baby’s body the time it needs to grow and develop.
Important organs, like your baby’s brain, lungs and liver, need time to develop. The brain develops fastest at the end of pregnancy.
A baby’s brain at 35 weeks of pregnancy weighs only two-thirds of what it will weigh at 39 to 40 weeks.
did you know?
- Full-term babies are less likely to have health problems after birth, like breathing, vision and hearing problems.
- Full-term babies can gain more weight in the womb. Babies born at a healthy weight have an easier time staying warm than babies born too small.
- Full-term babies can suck and swallow and stay awake long enough to eat after they're born. Babies born early sometimes can't do these things.
- Full-term babies are less likely to have learning problems and health problems later in life than babies born before 39 weeks.
