Differences Between Late and Premature Babies

2023-03-02 22:00

Differences Between Late and Premature Babies

A pregnancy conceived within 39 to 40 weeks of the start of the last menstrual period is called a term pregnancy. After this date is called late delivery, and babies born before 37 weeks of gestation are called premature. In this article, we look at the issues of delayed and premature labor, their prevention and care for the baby in each case.

late baby

Full-term Childbirth

A full-term birth is considered a labor that occurs between 39 and 40 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. It has been determined that from week 39, babies have completed lung, liver and brain development, which leads to better health and fewer complications. One of the most common problems is lung immaturity, which can lead to respiratory symptoms.

Late Babies

If labor occurs between 41 weeks and 41 weeks plus 6 days later of pregnancy, it is called late labor, usually due to miscalculation of the date of the last menstrual period. In most cases there are no symptoms, however, evaluation of fetal parameters and mother is necessary, which may include measuring fetal heart rate, amniotic fluid volume or monitoring fetal movement in utero.

Premature Babies

Contrary to what was done before, labor is considered premature if it occurs between 20 and 37 weeks of gestation. Due to the organic immaturity of the newborn, the shorter developmental time in utero may present more complications.

It can occur with a frequency of 12% (12 in 100 pregnancies) and can affect the viability of the baby and the appearance of disease in the mother after delivery. It is important to emphasize that it happened spontaneously because labor began without the passage of weeks corresponding to a full-term pregnancy.

Suggestion

The first thing suggested is to keep track of the start date of the menstrual period, this will give a better understanding of the possible causes affecting the development of the pregnancy; it is also necessary for the mother to pay attention to the changes in the mobility of the fetus, bleeding or other conditions may be symptoms that warn us of abnormalities.

However, it is best to consult a gynecologist first. The gynecologist will determine the most convenient delivery date based on your personal characteristics, so if there is a warning sign, go to the nearest hospital for care as soon as possible.