What describes the gestational age defined as 37 to 38 weeks?

The gestational age defined as 37 to 38 weeks is categorized as early term. This classification is important in understanding the stages of pregnancy and the developmental readiness of a newborn.

Early term infants, born between 37 and 38 weeks, have a higher chance of being physiologically mature when compared to those born before 37 weeks (preterm), but they may still face more health risks than those born at full term (39 to 40 weeks). During this period, significant developmental milestones are reached, including brain growth and lung maturation.

Recognizing these distinctions helps healthcare providers make informed decisions about care for both mothers and their newborns, ensuring that any interventions necessary for early term infants are appropriately timed and tailored to their developmental needs.