How many weeks is normal for a baby to be born?

A child is generally considered to be born normally between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation.

A woman's pregnancy cycle is typically calculated from the first day of her last menstrual period, with a full-term pregnancy lasting approximately 40 weeks. Pregnancy can be divided into three stages—first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester—based on fetal growth and development characteristics as well as maternal changes. The first trimester usually spans weeks 1 to 13, the second trimester weeks 14 to 27, and the third trimester begins at week 28 onward, with the expected delivery date around week 40. However, if the fetus has fully developed by week 37, it is considered full-term. Therefore, delivery between 37 and 42 weeks is considered normal. Birth before 37 weeks is classified as preterm, while failure to go into labor by week 42 is considered post-term pregnancy. The first 28 days after birth are generally regarded as the newborn period; newborns, whose bodies are not yet fully developed, have poor adaptability and require careful care.

During pregnancy, women should undergo regular prenatal checkups, maintain good nutrition, and keep a positive mood. If signs of labor appear after reaching full term, they should take them seriously and promptly go to the hospital for delivery.