Premature baby is defined as delivery before how many weeks of gestation?

Study for the Sacramento State Medic Module 6 Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your assessment!

Multiple Choice

Premature baby is defined as delivery before how many weeks of gestation?

Explanation:
Premature birth means the baby is born before 37 completed weeks of gestation. This cutoff is used because organ systems, especially the lungs, may not be fully mature before 37 weeks, leading to higher risks that require extra care. Deliveries after 37 weeks are considered term, with 37–38 6/7 weeks often called early term, 39–40 6/7 weeks full term, and 41 weeks as late term; post-term generally means beyond 42 weeks. So delivering before 37 weeks fits the definition of premature. The other timings describe post-term or term deliveries, not prematurity.

Premature birth means the baby is born before 37 completed weeks of gestation. This cutoff is used because organ systems, especially the lungs, may not be fully mature before 37 weeks, leading to higher risks that require extra care. Deliveries after 37 weeks are considered term, with 37–38 6/7 weeks often called early term, 39–40 6/7 weeks full term, and 41 weeks as late term; post-term generally means beyond 42 weeks.

So delivering before 37 weeks fits the definition of premature. The other timings describe post-term or term deliveries, not prematurity.

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