Is 37 weeks really "full term "?

Question

I'm almost 36 weeks and my dr just told me he wants me to try to go into labor at 37. If not by 39 I have to be induced. Why can the baby just come when she is ready?!

Answer

Your body, your baby, your choice (unless medical risks are in play, which it doesn't sound like they are).  Baby will come when it's done cooking. That's my personal opinion!

Answer

Did the doctor tell you why you can't deliver full term instead or when your baby is ready to come out?

Answer

There are posters all over my doc's office that say they encourage women to go to 39 weeks.

Answer

37 is considered early full term -meaning they typically won't choose to take the baby before then unless there's medical reason. 39 is now considered "full term", but as these ladies said it's very unusual for a doc to induce at this point unless requested or for a medical reason like low fluids, etc. I recently read that 70% of FTMs give birth after 40 weeks... Any doc I've ever spoken to says you can go to 42 weeks before risks outweigh benefits and they try to induce...

Answer

Did you ask your dr why he is suggesting this?

Answer

I have heard induction really sucks... I personally wouldn't do it until 40 weeks or if there was a medical reason. Let that baby cook!

Answer

Uhmmm... This is your pregnancy, and you shouldn't be forced to induce labor. I know a lot of docs like to play God and like to induce at certain times because it's convenient for them. Heck to the no! I asked my doctor for that very reason, and she said she'll let me go as long as I want up to 42 weeks.

Answer

Any doctor who thinks baby is done by 37 (or even 39) weeks is out of their mind. Find a new doctor now. As long as you're having a healthy pregnancy there is NO reason to let them induce you. A first-time mom typically goes late; the average is 41+1. Baby will come when he/she is ready!

Answer

Doc usually don't induced unless there is a reason like if if your pregnancy has been high risk or anything like that. If you have had a healthy pregnancy then he should not be trying to induce you unless you you've reached about 41-43 weeks.

Answer

38 was just recently made to be the full term mark. Can't remember where I saw it, but you could probably google it. Also, if you are worried, tell your doctor you do not want an intervention/induction until you (or baby) are ready.

Is 37 weeks really "full term "?

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