Is Giving Birth at 38 Weeks and 2 Days Considered Too Early?

Giving birth at 38 weeks and 2 days is generally considered to be within the normal range for a full-term pregnancy. The typical duration of a full-term pregnancy is between 39 and 40 weeks, but babies born between 37 and 42 weeks are usually classified as full-term.

At 38 weeks, a baby is often referred to as being in the early term stage. While these babies are generally healthy, they may have a slightly higher risk of certain issues compared to those born at 39 weeks or later. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice to ensure the health of both the mother and the baby.

Understanding Full-Term Pregnancy

A baby is considered full-term after 36 weeks. If your pregnancy is around 38 weeks and 2 days, it indicates that your baby has had ample time to develop and grow. In the last trimester, particularly around 36 to 38 weeks, the baby is plumping up, gaining weight, and generally getting stronger in preparation for birth.

For many mothers, their babies are born without any issues, even when they are born a few days or a week early. For example, the author mentioned that her second daughter was born 7 days before her due date and her oldest was born 9 days early, while her youngest was born 3 days early, and all were healthy.

Medical Checkups and Baby’s Growth

To ensure the baby's health, doctors can monitor the size and growth of the baby. By the end of the seventh month, the fetus is fully formed; the remaining two months focus on weight gain and strengthening. While additional time can be beneficial for the baby's development, a week or a half generally won’t make a significant difference.

Another perspective is that a week or half before the due date could be seen as convenient for the mother, especially if she's looking forward to the "new-baby circus" that comes with the birth. This period allows for a bit more relaxation and anticipation.

Maturation and Viability

Is it too early to give birth at 38 weeks and 2 days? Not necessarily. The lungs finish developing by 7 months, making any baby older than 7 months viable. At 36 weeks, the baby born is typically fully formed and healthy, as was the author’s youngest daughter.

Meanwhile, it's important to note that not all babies develop at the same rate. Occasionally, a baby born too early may face some health challenges. For example, the author mentioned that one sister’s first child was born at 32 weeks, weighing only 3 pounds but was a fighter and relatively healthy after spending time in the SCBU (Special Care Baby Unit) to gain weight.

In conclusion, while 38 weeks and 2 days is generally considered early term and may come with some associated risks, most babies born at this stage are healthy. Consulting with a healthcare provider and adhering to medical advice can help ensure the best possible outcome for both mother and baby.