At what point is a pregnancy considered term?

A pregnancy is considered term at 37 weeks gestation, which is significant because it marks the point where the fetus has developed sufficiently to be delivered outside the womb without an increased risk of complications associated with prematurity. By 37 weeks, the baby's organs, including the lungs and brain, are generally fully developed, and the pregnancy reaches a stage where the infant is considered capable of surviving with far fewer issues.

Defining the term of pregnancy is crucial for healthcare professionals and expectant parents, as it influences decisions related to delivery timing and the management of the pregnancy. Deliveries that occur prior to 37 weeks are categorized as preterm, and these can entail a variety of health risks for both the mother and baby, which is why the distinction is so important.

In terms of gestational milestones, 32 weeks, 34 weeks, and 36 weeks are all still classified as preterm, with respective higher risks of complications associated with delivering at those earlier points in pregnancy. Thus, reaching 37 weeks indicates a transition into a safer and more favorable window for delivery.