What is the gestational age range for a term baby?

The gestational age range for a term baby is 37 to 42 weeks. A term baby is considered to have completed a full pregnancy, which typically lasts about nine months or roughly 40 weeks. Deliveries that occur between 37 and 42 weeks are associated with the least risk of complications. Newborns delivered before 37 weeks are classified as preterm, while those delivered after 42 weeks may be considered post-term.

Being within this gestational age range not only aligns with optimal development milestones but also reflects a more favorable outcome for the infant regarding health and survival rates. Understanding this range is critical for healthcare providers in pediatrics, as it aids in monitoring fetal development and planning appropriate prenatal care.