At what gestational age is a pregnancy considered full-term?

A pregnancy is considered full-term when it reaches between 39 and 40 weeks of gestation. This period marks the optimal time for fetal development, allowing for the maturation of important organs such as the lungs and brain. Delivering during this timeframe can help reduce the risks associated with prematurity, which can include respiratory complications and developmental delays.

The classification of full term is significant for both maternal and neonatal health. As the fetus approaches this gestational age, it is typically more prepared for the challenges of life outside the womb. Full-term pregnancies generally indicate that the fetus has reached an ideal size and that maternal and fetal complications are less likely to arise.

The other ranges listed do not fall within the established parameters for full-term pregnancies; thus, they describe either preterm or post-term gestations. Preterm deliveries occur before 37 weeks, and post-term deliveries are those that extend beyond 42 weeks, both of which can carry different health implications.