Key takeaways: “Term” pregnancy is divided into early term (37 to 38 weeks), full term (39 to 40 weeks), late term (41 weeks), and post-term (42 weeks and beyond). Babies born early term have higher risks of breathing and feeding problems than those born at 39 weeks or later. Elective delivery before 39 weeks without a medical reason isn’t recommended.
For many years, any birth after 37 weeks was simply called “term.” Research showed that babies born at 37 and 38 weeks have different outcomes than those born at 39 and 40 weeks, so ACOG and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine introduced more specific definitions.
Term Definitions
- Early term: 37 0/7 to 38 6/7 weeks.
- Full term: 39 0/7 to 40 6/7 weeks.
- Late term: 41 0/7 to 41 6/7 weeks.
- Post-term: 42 0/7 weeks and beyond.
Why the Last Weeks Matter
The brain, lungs, and liver continue developing in the final weeks of pregnancy. Compared with babies born at 39 weeks or later, early term babies have higher rates of:
- Breathing problems, including transient tachypnea and respiratory distress.
- NICU admission.
- Low blood sugar.
- Feeding difficulties.
- Jaundice.
- Temperature instability.
Elective Delivery Before 39 Weeks
ACOG recommends against elective (non-medically indicated) delivery before 39 weeks. Many hospitals have policies that limit early elective inductions and cesareans.
There are many good medical reasons for earlier delivery, such as preeclampsia, certain problems with the placenta, or concerns about the baby’s growth. In those cases, the benefits of delivery outweigh the risks.
Caring for an Early Term Baby
Early term babies often do well but may need:
- Extra help with feeding, including waking for feeds.
- Close watching for jaundice.
- Earlier follow-up after discharge.
- Feeding support from a lactation consultant.
The Bottom Line
Every week counts at the end of pregnancy. Early term babies may need a little extra support. If delivery before 39 weeks is recommended, ask your provider about the medical reason and what to expect for your baby.
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Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee Opinion No. 579: Definition of term pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2013;122(5):1139-1140.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee Opinion No. 765: Avoidance of nonmedically indicated early-term deliveries and associated neonatal morbidities. Obstet Gynecol. 2019;133(2):e156-e163.
- Tita AT, Landon MB, Spong CY, et al. Timing of elective repeat cesarean delivery at term and neonatal outcomes. N Engl J Med. 2009;360(2):111-120.
- Boies EG, Vaucher YE; Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. ABM Clinical Protocol #10: Breastfeeding the late preterm and early term infants, second revision 2016. Breastfeed Med. 2016;11(10):494-500.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
