Full Term?

Question

This may be a dumb question but why do they consider you full term starting at 37 weeks if your due date is at 40 weeks? My doctors told me at my 37 week appt I’m now considered full term and baby can come whenever. I’m 38 weeks now.

Answer

It isn't full term. 37 weeks is TERM. Meaning if you go into labor on your own, they won't stop it. 
Full term is 39 weeks. If you need an induction or c section, they try to wait until then. Reason being if you go into labor naturally then likely your baby's lungs were fully developed a little early and released the proper hormones vs medically laboring baby might not be ready that early.

Answer

37 weeks is early term, 39w is full term

Answer

The terminology is confusing but going the full 40 weeks is what is best for baby. 37 weekers are generally pretty healthy but there’s a good amount of brain and lung development that happens the last few weeks, plus their suckling reflex is among the last to develop. 
I believe the official guidelines go: 37 weeks is early term, 40 is full term, 42 is late term.

Full Term?

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