In spite if what (sadly ), many obgyns these days wrongly inform pregnant women, a FULL term pregnancy, is at the 39 weeks mark. TERM pregnancy is at 37 weeks. Anything before 37 weeks is pre term. Up until 2016, they considered full term at 37 weeks, but after many studies, many problems and many NICU stays, they finally understood and changed the standards for full term pregnancy. Regardless what your obgyn tells you, FULL term pregnancy is starting AT 39 weeks.

If you and the baby are healthy, if there's no medical reason to induce, PLEASE let your babies stay in there till AT LEAST 39 weeks.

Your delivery date can impact the health of your baby. By allowing your pregnancy to reach 39 weeks you can help ensure your baby’s full development.

If your pregnancy is healthy, it’s best to stay pregnant for at least 39 weeks. The last 3 weeks being critical as important organs in your baby are still developing. Your baby is putting on layers of fat to control body temperatures at birth. In the last 6 weeks, your baby’s brain adds connections still needed for balance, coordination, learning, and social functioning. At 37 weeks, your baby’s brain, lungs, and liver are still developing. Babies born at 37 weeks are at higher risk for feeding disorders, bilirubin (Jaundice) disorders and longer stays in the hospital and NICU. At 38 weeks fetal hormones increase to help maintain blood pressure and blood sugar levels after birth. At 39 weeks, wrinkles in the brain (the sulci) are developing. The sulci help coordinate a baby’s suck/swallow response.

Studies show babies born too early are more likely to have feeding problems. These babies could have a difficult time sucking, swallowing, and breathing. At 35 weeks, a baby’s brain weighs just 2/3 of what it does at 39 weeks.