'Full term' birth is redefined in the U.S. to prevent problems caused by women having early C-sections

American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says ‘full term’ should be considered to be between 39 weeks and 40 weeks six days

It says these guidelines would prevent early elective deliveries which can lead to health complications, such as breathing difficulties

Currently, a baby is considered to be 'full term' if it is born between weeks 37 and 42 of pregnancy

But there are no plans to change the guidelines in the UK

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) says that 'full term' should be considered to be between 39 weeks and 40 weeks six days

Until now, mothers-to-be have been told their baby is ‘at term’ - neither too early nor too late - if it is born between the 37th and 42nd week of pregnancy.

Now, new guidelines have significantly narrowed the ‘full term’ time window.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) says that ‘full term’ should be considered to be between 39 weeks and 40 weeks six days.

It says this is important as just a week or two longer in the womb can significantly improve a baby’s health and development.

On average, a pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks, counting from the first day of the mother’s last period.

Prior to the new guidelines being released, a baby was considered to be premature if it was born before 37 weeks, and late if it was born after the 42nd week.

Now, ACOG has said babies who are born between 37 weeks and 38 weeks six days should be considered ‘early term’, those born between 39 weeks and 40 weeks six days should be viewed as ‘full term’, those born in the 41st week of pregnancy should be seen as ‘late term’ and those born after 42 weeks should be seen as ‘post term’.

‘Weeks matter,’ said Dr Jeffrey Ecker of Massachusetts General Hospital, who chaired the ACOG committee that came up with the more specific labels. 

He added: ‘Since babies' outcomes can differ, let's not call it all the same.’

 

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In recent years, doctors' groups and parenting organisations have stressed that elective deliveries - inductions and C-sections scheduled without a medical reason – should not happen before the 39th week of pregnancy. 

Research shows that babies born at 37 weeks have more of a risk of complications, such as difficulty breathing, than those born just two weeks later. 

On average, a pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks, counting from the first day of the mother's last period. Prior to the new guidelines being released, a baby was considered to be premature if it was born before 37 weeks, and late if it was born after the 42nd week

Dr Ecker said the new definitions will help doctors communicate that message to parents-to-be. 

The March of Dimes, an American charity that aims to improve the health of mothers and babies, welcomed the change saying it ‘eliminates confusion about how long an uncomplicated, healthy pregnancy should last’.

But the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in the UK told MailOnline that there are currently no plans to reconsider the definition of ‘full term’ in this country.

It said that in the UK ‘full term’ will continue to be considered to be between 37 and 42 weeks.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2473164/Full-term-birth-redefined-U-S-prevent-problems-caused-women-having-early-C-sections.html#ixzz2iZRyiKQq 
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