What is the typical duration of a full-term pregnancy?

The typical duration of a full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks, which is calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) to the birth of the baby. This time frame is equivalent to approximately nine calendar months.

A normal pregnancy is divided into trimesters, with the first trimester lasting from week 1 to week 12, the second from week 13 to week 26, and the third from week 27 to week 40. Reaching 40 weeks signifies that the pregnancy has reached the optimal time for delivery, as most babies are fully developed and ready to transition to life outside the womb during this period.

Pregnancies that extend beyond 42 weeks may be classified as post-term and could require medical intervention, as there are increased risks for both the mother and the baby after this point. Therefore, the 40-week mark is essential in understanding the normal physiological progression of pregnancy and the timing of delivery.