Understanding early term pregnancy and its distinctions from late-term delivery is crucial for expectant mothers. Early-term is a delivery between 37 weeks, 0 days, and 38 weeks, 6 days of gestation, while late-term occurs between 41 weeks, 0 days, and 41 weeks, 6 days. The “full term” sweet spot falls between 39 and 40 weeks and 6 days, offering the best health outcomes for both mother and baby. Babies born early term may face higher health risks due to immature organs, particularly affecting breathing, feeding, and temperature regulation.
What is early term pregnancy?
Early term pregnancy refers to deliveries occurring between 37 weeks, 0 days, and 38 weeks, 6 days of gestation. While previously considered “full term” under older medical guidelines, current research reveals that babies born during this window still have developing organs, especially the brain and lungs.
Important: Early term pregnancy weeks (37-38w6d) carry different risks than full term deliveries, despite being close to the 40-week mark.
Health considerations for early term babies
Babies delivered during the early term pregnancy period face several health challenges:
- Increased risk for breathing problems due to immature lung development
- Feeding difficulties requiring specialized support
- Temperature control issues as thermoregulation systems mature
- Higher likelihood of requiring neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission
- Extended hospital stays compared to full-term newborns
The question “is early term premature?” often arises. While technically not classified as premature (which begins before 37 weeks), early term deliveries still present elevated risks compared to full-term births.
Understanding full term pregnancy
Full term pregnancy is defined as delivery between 39 weeks, 0 days, and 40 weeks, 6 days. This period represents optimal fetal development and is associated with the best health outcomes for both mother and baby.
During these critical final weeks, the baby’s organs reach maturity levels that significantly reduce health complications. The brain undergoes crucial development, lungs produce sufficient surfactant for independent breathing, and the immune system strengthens.
Why full term matters
Medical research consistently demonstrates that babies born at full term experience:
- Better breathing patterns and fewer respiratory complications
- Improved feeding abilities and weight gain
- Enhanced brain development supporting cognitive function
- Stronger immune systems
- Lower NICU admission rates
What is late term pregnancy?
Late term pregnancy encompasses deliveries between 41 weeks, 0 days, and 41 weeks, 6 days. These pregnancies extend beyond the full-term window, presenting their own unique considerations.
Maternal and fetal health considerations
For mothers:
- Increased risk of delivering a larger baby (macrosomia)
- Higher likelihood of requiring labor induction
- Elevated risk of cesarean delivery
- Potential for fetal distress during delivery
- Increased monitoring requirements
For babies:
- Some research suggests potential cognitive benefits in late-term babies
- Risk of meconium aspiration
- Decreased amniotic fluid levels
- Aging placenta reducing nutrient delivery
Early term vs full term pregnancy: Key differences
| Category | Early Term (37-38w6d) | Full Term (39-40w6d) | Late Term (41-41w6d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lung maturity | Still developing | Fully mature | Mature |
| Brain development | Ongoing growth | Optimal development | Fully developed |
| NICU risk | Higher | Lower | Moderate |
| Feeding issues | More common | Less common | Less common |
| Maternal risks | Lower | Lowest | Higher |
Early term vs preterm: Understanding the distinction
Many expectant parents wonder about the relationship between early term and preterm deliveries. Here’s the critical distinction:
- Preterm: Delivery before 37 weeks of gestation
- Early term: Delivery between 37 weeks, 0 days, and 38 weeks, 6 days
- Full term: Delivery between 39 weeks, 0 days, and 40 weeks, 6 days
- Late term: Delivery between 41 weeks, 0 days, and 41 weeks, 6 days
- Post-term: Delivery at or beyond 42 weeks
Post term pregnancy weeks (42+) carry additional risks and typically warrant medical intervention through induction to prevent complications.
Is 36 weeks full term? Is 38 weeks full term?
These common questions reflect evolving medical understanding of fetal development:
Is 36 weeks full term? No. 36 weeks is considered late preterm, not full term. Babies born at this stage face significant risks.
Is 38 weeks full term? No. While 38 weeks falls within the early term category, it’s not considered full term. Full term begins at 39 weeks.
This distinction matters because every additional week in utero during the final month of pregnancy contributes to crucial organ development and reduces newborn health complications.
Medical guidance for optimal delivery timing
Current medical consensus recommends allowing pregnancy to progress naturally to the full-term window (39-40 weeks and 6 days) unless medical complications necessitate earlier delivery.
When early delivery may be necessary
Healthcare providers may recommend delivery during early term pregnancy weeks for specific medical reasons:
- Severe preeclampsia or eclampsia
- Placental complications (placenta previa, abruption)
- Intrauterine growth restriction
- Uncontrolled maternal diabetes
- Multiple pregnancy complications
- Decreased fetal movement or distress
Monitoring during late term pregnancy
When pregnancy extends into late term, healthcare providers increase monitoring through:
- Non-stress tests to assess fetal well-being
- Biophysical profiles measuring amniotic fluid and fetal movement
- Regular ultrasounds to monitor growth
- Discussion of induction timing to prevent post-term complications
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between early term and late term?
Early term pregnancy occurs between 37 weeks, 0 days, and 38 weeks, 6 days of gestation, while late term pregnancy spans from 41 weeks, 0 days, to 41 weeks, 6 days. Early term babies face higher risks of breathing problems, feeding difficulties, and NICU admission due to continuing organ development. Late term pregnancies present different concerns, including increased risk of macrosomia (larger baby), potential fetal distress, and complications for the mother. The optimal delivery window remains full term at 39-40 weeks and 6 days, when both maternal and fetal outcomes are statistically best.
How to tell the difference between late period and early pregnancy?
Distinguishing between a late period and early pregnancy involves several key indicators. Early pregnancy typically presents with a missed period, breast tenderness, fatigue, nausea, and increased urination. A late period may be accompanied by typical premenstrual symptoms like cramping and mood changes that eventually lead to menstruation. The most reliable method is taking a home pregnancy test, which detects human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in urine approximately 10-14 days after conception. For definitive confirmation, consult your healthcare provider for a blood test, which can detect pregnancy earlier and more accurately than home tests.
Is it better for a baby to come early or late?
Neither early nor late is ideal — full term delivery between 39-40 weeks and 6 days offers the best outcomes for both mother and baby. Babies born during full term have fully mature lungs, better-developed brains, stronger immune systems, and significantly lower rates of NICU admission compared to early term infants. While late term babies (41-41w6d) may show some cognitive advantages in certain studies, the increased maternal risks and potential complications like macrosomia and fetal distress make this timing less optimal than full term. Medical consensus supports allowing natural progression to the full-term window unless specific medical complications warrant earlier intervention.
Why is 37 weeks not considered full term anymore?
Medical understanding evolved as research revealed significant ongoing fetal development between 37 and 39 weeks of gestation. Studies demonstrated that babies born at 37-38 weeks (now classified as early term) experience notably higher rates of respiratory problems, feeding difficulties, temperature regulation issues, and NICU admissions compared to babies born at 39-40 weeks. Brain development, lung maturation, and immune system strengthening continue throughout these final weeks. In 2013, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) redefined pregnancy term classifications to reflect this evidence, establishing 39-40 weeks and 6 days as the full-term standard. This change has led to improved neonatal outcomes by discouraging elective deliveries before 39 weeks.
Making informed decisions about delivery timing
Understanding the distinctions between early term pregnancy, full term, and late term empowers expectant parents to make informed decisions in consultation with their healthcare providers. While individual circumstances vary, the evidence consistently supports allowing pregnancy to progress to the full-term window when medically safe.
Key takeaways for expectant parents:
- Every week of pregnancy matters for fetal development
- Early term carries higher risks than full term, despite being after 37 weeks
- Full term (39-40w6d) offers optimal outcomes for mother and baby
- Late term requires increased monitoring and may warrant induction
- Medical necessity should drive any decision for early delivery
Remember: Always discuss your specific pregnancy timeline with your healthcare provider. Individual medical circumstances may warrant different delivery timing recommendations.
By understanding early term vs full term pregnancy differences and the implications of late-term delivery, expectant parents can work collaboratively with their medical team to ensure the healthiest possible outcome for both mother and baby.
This article provides general health information and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy care and delivery timing decisions.