Does Reaching the Full 40 Weeks of Pregnancy Matter?

Summary: Waiting for your baby to arrive can be hard, but those last few weeks are super important! Babies born at 39 or 40 weeks are called "full term." By this time, their brain, lungs, liver, and muscles are fully grown. They also feed better and can stay warm.

Babies born at 37 or 38 weeks are called "early term." Even though they are close to the end, their brains are only two-thirds grown, and they might need extra help in the hospital. Sometimes, doctors need to deliver a baby early if the mom or baby is sick, like if the mom has high blood pressure. But if everyone is healthy, it is best to let labor start on its own.

If a pregnancy goes past 41 weeks, doctors will watch the baby very closely because waiting too long can also cause problems. And remember, eating spicy food won't start labor, and due dates are really just a guess!

For more details, see rssapp-nm-org-healthbeat at nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/go-the-full-40 (opens in new tab)