When a baby passes the 37th week of gestation, it is said that it is a full-term baby, and the same happens in a baby that is born in the 42nd week. But being born in one week or another, is really very different. We are talking about 5 weeks apart.
In these 5 weeks apart, the baby can make a big difference in his development.
From a few years ago until now, there have been some changes in definitions regarding what a full-term delivery is:
- Babies born between 37 and 39 weeks will be early term births.
- Babies born between 39 and 41 weeks will be normal full-term births.
- Babies born between 41 and 42 weeks will be late term births.
Every day that the baby spends in its mother's womb is a gift that cannot be wasted. Babies born before the 37th week of pregnancy are known as premature and those born beyond the 42nd week are considered post-term. Babies born at 37 weeks have higher risk of disease than those born in week 40 as their lungs have not fully developed.
In the last phase of pregnancy, the baby gains no less than 200 grams per week, so the last weeks are essential for its full development. In addition, when a baby is born before week 39 there may be respiratory, hearing, learning complications, etc. Fewer days in the mother's womb can be key to a better or worse development of the baby in the womb. In this sense, If it is not medically necessary to advance a birth, it is better to wait for nature to take its course.