Early term - Definition & Explanation for Mothers

Table of Contents

Definition

Early term refers to a pregnancy that is at 37 weeks to 38 weeks and 6 days gestation. It is the period shortly before the full term of a pregnancy, which is usually considered to be 39 to 40 weeks. Babies born during this period are generally healthy, but may still face some risks associated with being born before full term.

Key Takeaways

Early term refers to a period of pregnancy which is typically recognised as between 37 weeks 0 days and 38 weeks 6 days of gestation.
Although considered full term, infants born during the early term might still face certain health complications such as respiratory distress or feeding issues, as development continues in the final weeks of pregnancy.
Early term deliveries sometimes become necessary for the health of both the mother and baby, but unless medically necessary, it’s usually recommended to avoid planned deliveries before 39 weeks to give the baby more time for development.

Importance

The motherhood term “Early Term” is important because it describes a specific period within the pregnancy timeline, precisely between the 37th and 38th weeks of gestation.

As per research, babies born during this period tend to have a slightly higher risk of medical problems; they might require a longer hospital stay as compared to babies born in full-term.

Therefore, understanding the early term period helps healthcare providers as well as parents make informed decisions about the birth process, scheduling inductions or cesarean sections, and putting in place the necessary healthcare plan for the baby.

It encourages safer birthing practices and ensures sufficient development time for the baby.

Explanation

Early term in motherhood typically refers to the gestational period of 37-38 weeks. Traditionally, any time after 37 weeks was considered perfectly safe for delivery.

However, important research has shown that these final weeks of pregnancy are crucial for the baby’s development and should not be cut short without a valid medical reason. The purpose of distinguishing this early term is to highlight the importance of these few weeks developmentally and discourage non-medically necessary inductions or scheduled C-sections before 39 weeks.

In these final weeks, the baby’s brain and lungs are still growing and developing, so every extra day inside the womb can be beneficial. By distinguishing the early term, it helps healthcare providers to ensure that babies are not delivered too early without a legitimate reason, thus giving them the best chance at a healthy start in life.

Examples of Early term

A woman who gives birth at 37 weeks, just as she is entering her ninth month of pregnancy, is an example of early term motherhood. The baby is fully formed but will be entering the world a bit earlier than the standard full term of 40 weeks.

Another example could be a woman who goes into spontaneous labor at 38 weeks and delivers a healthy baby. This is still within the window of early term, as it’s anywhere from 37 to 38 weeks and 6 days.

Thirdly, a scheduled C-section or induction labor could lead to an early term birth. For instance, if there are certain risk factors for the mother or baby that require a birth to be planned ahead, a doctor might choose for the baby to be born early term for safety reasons.

FAQs on Early Term Motherhood

What is early term pregnancy?

Early term pregnancy is the period when a baby is born earlier than the completion of 39 weeks to 40 weeks 6 days of gestation, but not before 37 weeks.

What are common symptoms of early term pregnancy?

Common symptoms can include mild shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, heartburn, swift mood changes, fatigue, changes in body temperature, and frequent urination.

What are some complications that can occur during early term pregnancy?

Complications that can occur during early term pregnancy can include preterm labor and birth, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and low birth weight.

What kind of care should be taken during early term pregnancy?

During early term pregnancy, it is advised to maintain regular doctor’s appointments, eat a healthy balanced diet, stay hydrated, take prenatal vitamins, exercise regularly, and get plenty rest and sleep.

Is there a risk for developmental problems with early term birth?

Early term babies often need a bit more time to develop certain skills and may face challenges with breathing, feeding and maintaining body temperature. Long term, they may be at risk of developmental delays, cognitive issues and behavioural and psychological problems.

Related Motherhood Terms

Gestation period
First trimester
Prenatal care
Baby’s first heartbeat
Ultrasound scan