What is considered a full term baby

Waiting until 39 weeks, now called "full term," gives your baby the best possible chance for a healthy start in life. There may be a time, if there is a health risk to the mother or baby, when a planned delivery before 39 weeks is necessary. But in a healthy pregnancy, it's best to wait until at least 39 weeks.

Is 37 weeks full term for a baby us?

ACOG and SMFM use these definitions to describe term pregnancies: Early term: Your baby is born between 37 weeks, 0 days and 38 weeks, 6 days. Full term: Your baby is born between 39 weeks, 0 days and 40 weeks, 6 days. Late term: Your baby is born between 41 weeks, 0 days and 41 weeks, 6 days.

Is it OK to deliver at 36 weeks?

Although babies born at 36 weeks are generally healthy and are at lower risk for health complications than babies who are born earlier than this, they may still experience some health issues.

Why is 37 weeks pregnant considered full term?

Caregivers previously believed that babies born between 37 and 42 weeks were equally likely to be born healthy. For that reason, experts considered pregnancies to be full term at 37 weeks.

Do babies born at 37 weeks need NICU?

Babies born before 34 weeks go to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who weigh more than 1,800 grams (about 4 pounds) may be able to go to the Progressive Care Nursery (PCN).