At how many weeks do normal babies typically get born?
Oct 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
A normal baby is born between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation. A woman's pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks: weeks 1 to 13 are considered the first trimester, weeks 14 to 27 the second trimester, and from week 28 onward is the third trimester. Delivery before 37 weeks is classified as preterm birth; delivery after 42 weeks is considered post-term; and delivery between 37 and 42 weeks is considered full-term, which is normal.
Generally, a normal baby is born between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation, which is also referred to as a full-term infant.
Pregnancy in women is typically calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period, with the entire pregnancy lasting about 40 weeks. If a woman's menstrual cycle is irregular, she can visit a hospital for an ultrasound examination to determine the gestational age based on the development of the gestational sac and embryo. Additionally, pregnancy can be divided into three stages—first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester—according to fetal growth and maternal physical changes. The first trimester usually refers to weeks 1 to 13 of pregnancy, the second trimester to weeks 14 to 27, and the third trimester to week 28 onward. Infants born before 37 weeks are considered preterm, while those born after 42 weeks are considered post-term. Therefore, babies born between 37 and 42 weeks are considered full-term and within the normal range.
It is generally considered normal for a woman to give birth up to two weeks before or after the due date, and there is no need for excessive concern.
