What is the typical gestational age for viability?

The typical gestational age for viability is generally accepted to be around 24 weeks. At this point in fetal development, the fetus has reached a level of maturity that allows for a greater likelihood of survival outside the womb with appropriate medical intervention. Between 23 and 24 weeks, the lungs are beginning to develop, and the chances of surviving with intensive care begin to improve significantly, primarily due to advancements in neonatal care.

Before 24 weeks, the chances of survival are considerably lower, and many infants born at this stage may face significant health challenges or may not survive despite medical intervention. This timeframe marks a critical transition where the fetus is transitioning from a stage of inconceivable life outside the uterus to a point where survival becomes more plausible.

Understanding this gestational age is important in the context of maternity care, informing decisions about the management of preterm labor and discussions regarding neonatal outcomes.