Know Your Terms

My baby girl was born at 36 weeks.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development’s (NICHD) Know Your Terms Initiative.

I’d like to tell you our story.

It wasn’t planned for her to enter the world as early as she did. My doctor and I had agreed on bedrest and taking it as easy as possible as soon as I hit 35 weeks to try and convince her to stay in a while, but labor started anyway and there was no slowing her down. Weighing in at only four pounds and fourteen ounces when she arrived, this tiny little bundle was just so delicate and fragile – I was terrified for her! She dropped down to 4 lbs 6 ounces by that first night. We ended up having to stay a few extra days in the hospital while she received oxygen and medication to ensure her lungs were fully developed, and so she could gain back a little bit more weight.

NICHD wants everyone to know that the pregnancy terms have changed. 39 weeks is now considered full term. This is to ensure that babies are given plenty of time in utero to grow, develop, and be born healthier.

►DID YOU KNOW that babies born before 39 weeks gestation are at a greater risk for problems? Preterm and early term babies are more likely to spend time in the NICU and to have problems with breathing, feeding, and controlling their temperature. They are also at a higher risk for other serious health problems, such as blood infections, and for having a learning disability.

In the past, 37 weeks was deemed “term” and women would opt to deliver as close to that they could – thinking that their babies would be perfectly developed. Now though, research has shown that babies have a better chance of being healthy when they are carried until at least 39 weeks.

KNOW YOUR TERMS:

• Babies born in weeks 37 and 38 are now considered early term.
• Babies born in weeks 39 and 40 are called full term.
• Babies born in the 41st week or beyond are called late term.

A baby’s lungs, liver, and brain go through a fundamental period of growth between 37 weeks and 39 weeks of pregnancy. Waiting to deliver until at least 39 weeks, in a healthy pregnancy, gives your baby the time he or she needs to grow. These terms are important to know so you and your healthcare provider can talk about what is best for the health of you and your baby.

For more information, visit the NICHD’s website.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development’s Know Your Terms Initiative.