38 Weeks Gestation

38 Weeks Gestation

• A newborn is considered full-term at 38 weeks.
• The fingernails extend beyond the fingertips.
• Small breast buds are present on both sexes.
• The unborn child can grasp firmly.
• The unborn child turns toward a light source.
• The average weight is greater than 6 pounds.
• The length is about 19 to 21 inches.

36 Weeks Gestation

36 Weeks Gestation

• Fine hair begins to disappear.
• Body fat has increased.
• The fingernails reach the end of the fingertips.
• The chance of survival is excellent, but the newborn may require special medical care.
• The weight is about 5 to 6 pounds.
• The length is about 16 to 19 inches.

34 Weeks Gestation

34 Weeks Gestation

• The ears have begun to hold shape.
• The eyes open during alert times and close during sleep.
• There is a very good chance of survival with a low chance for long-term disability.
• The weight is about 4 to 4 1/2 pounds.
• The length is about 17 to 18 inches.

Babies born earlier than 37 weeks of pregnancy are called premature or preterm. Babies born between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy are called full term. Babies born close to full term have the best chance to survive and do well. The earlier a baby is born, the more likely he or she is to have serious health problems which may require extended hospital care or long term care outside the hospital. Advances in medicine and science will hopefully continue to improve the chances for survival for even the smallest babies.

32 Weeks Gestation

32 Weeks Gestation

• The lungs are still developing.
• Body temperature is partially under control.
• The skin is thicker, with more color.
• The connections between the nerve cells in the brain have increased.
• There is a good chance of long-term survival and the risk of long-term disability is low.
• The weight is about 3 to 3 3/4 pounds.
• The length is about 16 to 17 inches.

30 Weeks Gestation

30 Weeks Gestation

• The central nervous system has increased control over body functions.
• Rhythmic breathing movements occur.
• The lungs are not fully mature.
• The bones are fully developed, but still soft and pliable.
• The weight is about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds.
• The length is about 15 to 16 inches.

Babies born earlier than 37 weeks of pregnancy are called premature or preterm. Babies born between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy are called full term. Babies born close to full term have the best chance to survive and do well. The earlier a baby is born, the more likely he or she is to have serious health problems which may require extended hospital care or long term care outside the hospital. Advances in medicine and science will hopefully continue to improve the chances for survival for even the smallest babies.

28 Weeks Gestation

28 Weeks Gestation

• Brain-wave patterns resemble those of a full term baby.
• Another person can hear a heartbeat by listening to the pregnant woman’s abdomen.
• There is a good chance of survival if birth occurs at this stage of development.
• The weight is about 2 to 2 1/4 pounds.
• The length is about 10 to 13 inches.

Babies born earlier than 37 weeks of pregnancy are called premature or preterm. Babies born between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy are called full term. Babies born close to full term have the best chance to survive and do well. The earlier a baby is born, the more likely he or she is to have serious health problems which may require extended hospital care or long term care outside the hospital. Advances in medicine and science will hopefully continue to improve the chances for survival for even the smallest babies.

26 Weeks Gestation

26 Weeks Gestation

• The central nervous system is developed enough to control some body functions.
• The eyelids open, close and can perceive light.
• The lungs have further matured and breathing is possible.
• The unborn child exercises muscles by kicking and stretching.
• The weight is about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds.
• The length is about 9 to 10 inches.

Babies born earlier than 37 weeks of pregnancy are called premature or preterm. Babies born between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy are called full term. Babies born close to full term have the best chance to survive and do well. The earlier a baby is born, the more likely he or she is to have serious health problems which may require extended hospital care or long term care outside the hospital. Advances in medicine and science will hopefully continue to improve the chances for survival for even the smallest babies.