37/38 weeks vs 40?

Question

Why is it that 37-38 weeks are considered full term, but it’s better for the baby to stay in until 40 weeks?

Answer

It’s not necessarily better and there’s also a bit of a difference between 37 weeks and 38 weeks (37 is full-term but early and 38 weeks is when it’s due/on time). 
A baby is expected to arrive any time between 38 and 42 weeks and this is considered the ideal and normal time for labour to start. This is the period of time which your baby is due (it is not only 40 weeks but this is in the middle of the timeframe). Babies are actually due for a month, not just your estimated due date or at 40 weeks. 
At 37 weeks a baby is pretty much fully developed and so it is safe for them to be born then though 37 weeks is considered early. Its rare for a baby to go past 42 weeks as most come by 41 and often after 42 weeks things like the placenta stop working as well and so often an induction will be done.

Answer

I consider full term 40 weeks. 37 is early term 🤷🏻‍♀️

Answer

Technically 37 is no longer full term. Most of the “powers that be” now agree that 39 weeks is full term. Lots of doctors are just behind.
There’s a LOT of brain development and lung development that happens in the last few weeks of pregnancy, and studies have found that the difference between 37 and 39 weeks can change a child’s cognitive development drastically

Answer

I have delivered my first two at 40 plus and the last four 38 or 37, they all were the same except my 40, babies were a few pounds heavier. 10Ibs14 oz as to 7Ibs

Answer

Definitely for lung and brain development. Also, if mom and baby are healthy, they tend to stay in until they’re ready to live outside the womb. So while babies at 37 weeks are considered full term, they tend to do better when they’ve stayed in longer and come on their own terms.

Answer

I think its lung and brain development. Im not sure cause every baby develops at different rates the farther along into the pregnancy you are.