The American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine has
issued a new opinion that defines the length of a full-term pregnancy. This
includes the following definitions:
• Early Term: Between 37 weeks 0
days and 38 weeks 6 days
• Full Term: Between 39 weeks 0 days and 40 weeks 6 days
• Late Term: Between 41 weeks 0 days and 41 weeks 6 days
• Postterm: Between 42 weeks 0 days and beyond
• Full Term: Between 39 weeks 0 days and 40 weeks 6 days
• Late Term: Between 41 weeks 0 days and 41 weeks 6 days
• Postterm: Between 42 weeks 0 days and beyond
We welcome this opinion. The
following statement was issued today by March of Dimes Senior Vice President
and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Edward R.B. McCabe:
“The American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ and the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine’s
definition of a full-term pregnancy as 39 and 40 completed weeks of gestation is
a welcome guideline that eliminates confusion about how long an uncomplicated,
healthy pregnancy should last. This new definition acknowledges that the risk
of adverse health consequences for babies changes at each stage of pregnancy.
Babies born at 39 to 40 completed weeks of pregnancy have the best chance of a
healthy start in life. The March of Dimes calls on all health care
professionals and hospitals to embrace and apply the definition of full-term
pregnancy and move as quickly as possible to implement it in practices and
policies.”
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