At what gestational age is a pregnancy typically considered full-term?

A pregnancy is typically considered full-term when it reaches 39 to 40 weeks of gestation. This timeframe is recognized as optimal for fetal development, allowing for the maturation of organs and systems necessary for the baby to thrive outside the womb. Deliveries that occur during this period are associated with lower risks of complications for both the mother and the infant, as compared to earlier deliveries.

Gestational age is divided into various classifications:

• Preterm (less than 37 weeks)

• Early term (37 to 38 weeks)

• Full-term (39 to 40 weeks)

• Late term (41 weeks)

• Post-term (beyond 42 weeks)

This classification highlights the importance of reaching at least 39 weeks to maximize the health outcomes for the newborn.