About this topic
Most often, labor happens during the 9th month of pregnancy. Your labor may not start at the time that is best for you and your baby. You may go into labor too early. You may need to have your baby before or after your due date. Your doctor may want to plan a cesarean section or C-section. You and your doctor will decide the best time for your baby to be born. This will help make sure both you and your baby are as safe as possible. ‚
Doctors have studied many women who have given birth between 37 and 39 weeks of pregnancy. The babies who are born before 39 weeks of pregnancy have a higher risk for: ‚
- Breathing problems
- Infections
- Heart problems
- Seizures
- Being admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit
- More learning and behavioral problems
- Feeding problems
- Hearing or vision problems
- Developmental problems
Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of scheduling your babys birth. Together you can decide the safest time for you to have your child. ‚
General
A full term pregnancy lasts between 37 and 42 weeks. Your doctor most often says your due date is at 40 weeks. You may need to deliver your baby early. If you need to deliver your baby, your doctor can start your labor early. Your doctor can also plan to do a C-section to deliver your baby. Your baby may need to be born early if: ‚
- You have an infection or a serious illness like high blood pressure or cervical cancer.
- Your placenta covers the cervix or there are other problems with the placenta.
- There is a problem with fluid around the baby. There may be an infection or the fluids may break open too soon.
- Your baby is very large or in an awkward position for delivery.
- Your baby has a high risk of bleeding.
- Your baby has a certain birth defect.
Where can I learn more?
March of Dimes ‚
http://www.marchofdimes.com/pregnancy/why-at-least-39-weeks-is-best-for-your-baby.aspx ‚
http://www.marchofdimes.com/pregnancy/scheduling-a-c-section.aspx ‚
National Partnership for Women and Families ‚
http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10652 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚