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.
Are babies born at 38 weeks ok?
Summary: Babies considered “early-term,” born at 37 or 38 weeks after a mother’s last menstrual period, may look as healthy as full-term babies born at 39-41 weeks, but a study has found that many of them are not.
What happens if you give birth at 38 weeks?
Carrying an infant the full 39 weeks has important health benefits for the baby and the mother. For example, during weeks 37 and 38, the baby’s lungs and brain are still developing. The baby’s body also gains fat during this time, which helps the baby keep a healthy body temperature.
Why is 38 weeks considered full term?
Full term is now 39 weeks because research has shown that babies born at 39 to 40 weeks were less likely to have certain health problems than those born at 37 weeks. Babies born at 39 or 40 weeks instead of 37 or 38 weeks: Have more time for their brain, lungs, and liver to fully mature.
Is 38 weeks considered premature?
A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered premature or born too early. Prematurity is defined as: Early term infants. Babies born between 37 weeks and 38 weeks, 6 days.
Do babies born at 38 weeks need NICU?
Late preterm babies who are born between 35 and 37 weeks gestation may not look premature. They may not be admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), but they are still at risk for more problems than full-term babies.
What is the average weight of a baby born at 38 weeks?
Fetal growth chart
| Gestational age | Length (US) | Weight (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 36 weeks | 18.62 inches | 5.78 pounds |
| 37 weeks | 19.02 inches | 6.30 pounds |
| 38 weeks | 19.41 inches | 6.80 pounds |
| 39 weeks | 19.72 inches | 7.25 pounds |
Can walking induce labor 38 weeks?
Walking. The simple act of walking during pregnancy may help draw the baby down into your pelvis (thanks to gravity and the swaying of your hips). The pressure of the baby on your pelvis may then prime your cervix for labor — or may help labor progress if you’ve already felt some contractions.
What can I do to induce labor at 38 weeks?
Natural Ways to Induce Labor
- Exercise.
- Sex.
- Nipple stimulation.
- Acupuncture.
- Acupressure.
- Castor oil.
- Spicy foods.
- Waiting for labor.
Is C section Safe at 38 weeks?
Conclusion. According to our study findings, scheduled CS delivery between 38 and 39 gestational weeks is associated with a higher rate of NICU admission in comparison with scheduled CS performed after 39 gestational weeks. The main reason for NICU admission was TTN, not other serious complications.
Which week is best for delivery?
If your pregnancy is healthy, it’s best to stay pregnant for at least 39 weeks and wait for labor to begin on its own. When you schedule your baby’s birth, you schedule either labor induction or a c-section.
How many months is 38 weeks pregnant?
38 weeks is how many months? You’re in your ninth month!