Pregnancy: How many weeks are best for baby?
Did you know that it’s usually best for the baby if pregnancy lasts 39-40 weeks?
Today, researchers published a study showing that many women are confused about the length of full-term pregnancy. This isn’t surprising since there’s a lot of mixed up info out there.
In the study, one out of every four women thought a full-term pregnancy lasts 34-36 weeks. Half of the women said it’s 37-38 weeks.
Only one out of every four gave the “right answer”: 39-40 weeks. That is the time recommended by most medical experts.
What’s the most important thing that happens during the last few weeks of pregnancy? The baby’s brains and lungs are still developing. It’s usually best if that development happens inside mom’s uterus, rather than outside in the world.
To learn more, read the March of Dimes article “Why the Last Weeks of Pregnancy Count.”
This new study was published in the medical journal Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Tags: Baby, brain, development, fetus, full-term, lungs, Pregnancy, pregnant, research, term, weeks
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:37 am
I would agree in an ideal would pregnancy should last between 39 to 40 weeks, however when it comes to pregnancy and giving birth things do not always go to plan.
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:23 am
Sue: You’re right, and thanks for the comment. Sometimes babies come early, and there’s nothing anyone can do to stop it.
But sometimes women and their health care providers may opt for induction or cesarean section too soon, when there’s no really good medical reason to do so. So whenever possible, it’s usually best for a pregnancy to last 39-40 weeks.