A full term pregnancy is when a baby is born between 39 weeks, 0 days and 40 weeks, 6 days, according to ACOG and SMFM definitions.
Understanding Pregnancy Terminology
It's helpful to understand the different stages of pregnancy in relation to delivery dates. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) have established specific guidelines to categorize pregnancies based on gestational age at birth. Here's a breakdown:
| Term | Gestational Age |
|---|---|
| Early Term | 37 weeks, 0 days to 38 weeks, 6 days |
| Full Term | 39 weeks, 0 days to 40 weeks, 6 days |
| Late Term | 41 weeks, 0 days to 41 weeks, 6 days |
Why these distinctions?
These distinctions are important because babies born at different gestational ages may have varying health outcomes. Full-term pregnancies are generally considered to have the best outcomes for both mother and baby.
- Early term: Babies born in this range might experience some complications.
- Full term: This is the ideal range for optimal development.
- Late term: Going beyond the due date might present its own risks and requires careful monitoring.
What if my delivery date differs from the guidelines?
It is essential to discuss any concerns about your expected delivery date with your healthcare provider. They will monitor your pregnancy and use the most appropriate methods to determine the optimal timing for delivery, based on your specific circumstances.
