What defines term gestation?

Term gestation is defined as a pregnancy that lasts from 37 to 42 weeks. This time frame represents the period during which a fetus develops enough to be considered ready for birth, with significant physiological and developmental milestones achieved by the end of this period. A delivery that occurs within this range is generally considered optimal for both maternal and neonatal health.

The 37-week threshold is particularly important, as pregnancies that last less than this duration are classified as preterm. Conversely, pregnancies that extend beyond 42 weeks are considered post-term and can pose additional risks for both the mother and the baby. Therefore, classifying term gestation as lasting up to 42 weeks aligns with established medical standards for assessing pregnancy duration and its associated safety outcomes.