Medical News
Why the Last Weeks of Pregnancy Count
In recent years, more women are asking to schedule their vaginal
deliveries (induction) or Cesarean sections before 39 completed weeks of
pregnancy. (These are called elective deliveries.) A baby reaches full
term at 40 weeks. Giving birth before a baby reaches full term can be
harmful to you and your baby.
Your baby has the best chance of being born healthy if you schedule
the birth after 39 weeks of pregnancy. This will give your baby's brain,
lungs and other organs the time they need to develop fully. Babies born
before 39 weeks gestation may have medical problems that need extra
medical care. This means they may need to spend more time in the
hospital or in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
The time to deliver your baby is a decision you should make with your
doctor based on your pregnancy. Unless there are medical problems that
make it necessary to have your baby early, it is best to wait until at
least 39 weeks.
What are the benefits of waiting until I reach 39 completed weeks?
Here's why it's best to wait:
Important organs, like the brain,
lungs and liver, need time to develop.
A baby's brain at 35 weeks weighs only 2/3 of what it will weigh
at 39 to 40 weeks. |
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35 Week Brain |
40 Week Brain |
- Infants born after 39 weeks are less likely to have hearing and
vision problems.
- There is more time to gain weight in the womb. Babies born at a
healthy weight have an easier time staying warm than babies who are
small
- Babies need to suck and swallow and stay awake long enough to
eat after they are born. Babies born early sometimes can't do these
things.
- Infants born before 39 weeks have a greater chance of lung and
breathing problems at birth.
- Babies born before 39 weeks have a greater chance of being
admitted into the NICU.
What should I ask my health care professional before I schedule my
delivery?
- When is my baby due?
- How is my due date calculated?
- Why would my due date be changed during my pregnancy?
- What are considered medical reasons to schedule a delivery
before 39 completed weeks of gestation?
- What is the harm of scheduling my delivery before 39 completed
weeks?
- Where can I find more information about the benefits of waiting
39 completed weeks before I schedule a delivery?
To learn more, visit the March of Dimes website at
www.marchofdimes.com and read more on related topics. |
