[Tracey with 6]

what is full term? I've heard everything from 36 to 40 weeks so far, i know most doctors overhere wont induce until after 40 weeks which is what they consider full term butother sources say other things!

[Alejandros Mommy]

37 weeks is considered a full term pregnancy

[Hartoog1]

Yes, I agree with Lessly. I just read that the other day.

[2006Mama]

Yep, I was told anytime after 37 weeks was considered full term

[quagmire8]

same here...we consider 37 weeks and greater full term and 34-36 weeks near term (generally do well and can go to nursery if they meet weight requirements). HTH!

[VinniesMommy]

I heard that "term" is 37 weeks, which is when the baby is only gaining fat, but is fully developed, and "full term" is 40 weeks when there is nothing left for the baby to do other then come out. A snotty nurse filled me in on that

[Kristin1981]

I was always told 37+ weeks

[wanttobemommy]

my dr says term is 36w+ even if it is only one day plus your full term

[DK615617]

I have read 36 to 37 weeks. But I know that prior to 38 weeks sometimes they need help breathing. (but that isn't in every case)
I was told to try to get to 38 weeks when I was pg (like you have a choice!!)

[second_banana]

It does seem strange that different sources are a month apart when it comes to calling babies "term."

This is what I can tell you as a student midwife. "Term" is a medical word meaning the baby as all the necessary parts to survive on its own, even if they aren't fully developed. By 36 weeks is it likely (assuming the dates are spot on) that the baby won't need heavy medical intervention like a "pre-term" baby will.

Those babies born between 36-38 weeks are usually able to function on their own, but they generally have a bit more trouble organizing themselves than a 40 weeker. They have more subtle feeding cues, they sometimes have trouble coordinating their suck/swallow, and the fatty pads on the insides of their cheeks aren't as developed which can make breastfeeding a little more challenging if you don't shape the breast.

Technically the due date should be at 40 weeks. Anywhere from 38-42 is considered on time, but since doctors are able to save younger and younger babies the push has been to move anything after 40 to "post-dates." Really, so long as momma and baby are doing well there is no reason to worry if a mom goes over 40 weeks.