What is the difference between babies born at 37 weeks and those born at 39 weeks?

There is a difference between babies born at 37 weeks and those born at 39 weeks. Babies delivered at 37 weeks generally have lower immune function and weaker resistance, resulting in a higher likelihood of complications compared to babies born at 39 weeks.

Although babies born after 37 weeks are considered full-term, infants born at 37 weeks are less developed than those born at 39 weeks, particularly in terms of lung function. While they can breathe independently after birth, they face a higher risk of complications such as respiratory distress syndrome. Additionally, babies born at 37 weeks tend to have lower immunity and resistance compared to those born at 39 weeks, making them more susceptible to infectious diseases after birth. In contrast, babies born at 39 weeks generally have a lower incidence of complications like respiratory distress, primarily because their organs are more fully developed, their immune systems are stronger, and they adapt better to the external environment.

For pregnant women who do not exhibit any medical indications requiring early delivery, it is generally not recommended to terminate pregnancy prematurely, as waiting improves outcomes for both the mother and the newborn.