What is the duration of a full-term pregnancy?

A full-term pregnancy typically lasts between 36 to 40 weeks from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period (LMP) to the birth of the baby. This timeframe is widely recognized and accepted in obstetrics. The reason this range is significant is that it represents the period during which fetal development is completed to maximize the health outcomes for the infant.

Deliveries that occur before 36 weeks generally fall under preterm, while those that extend beyond 40 weeks are considered post-term. Understanding this duration helps healthcare providers monitor pregnancy progression, as well as plan for necessary interventions if the pregnancy does not proceed as expected. Each week closer to 40 allows further maturation of the baby's organs, particularly the lungs and brain, which can greatly influence the health of the newborn.