Full term pregnancies Are doctors really still telling people that 37-38 weeks is full term???? ACOG and SMFM both…

I posted on here yesterday that I was at term at 36. I will start by saying that I'm an RN. I think that what I said was interpreted as something that I was repeating that my OB or Clinic told me... Which it was not. I was more celebrating reaching a point in my pregnancy that my Dr would not intervene if I were to go into labor.

While this is a little off subject, I will say it's important to remember that each Dr may have a different way of interpreting of medical data, research and case studies. And it is up to us as patients to determine if our views and feeling align with their best practices. If we don't, you are entitled to a second opinion. There is not one right or wrong way to treat or heal. It is what you feel comfortable with and who you trust with providing your care. All of these Dr's took an oath when they graduated and in my experiences, one in which they take very seriously.

Anywho. Don't worry - I'm not being misinformed ? Just excited about hitting another milestone.

No one is saying it isn't Thier decision or judging anyone that would chose to go earlier. Her post is asking when they're informed or think full term is. Because so many are missing informed.

Of course everyone I'm sure is tired. And uncomfortable. Some chose to be ok with letting thier lil one cook longer then others. No one said or judged anyone for that.

And trust and believe I'm tired too. Nonstop heartburn barely helped by Zantac, pelvic pressure, upper inner thigh cramps that cause me to barely be able to walk, abdominal cramps, can't sleep at night, stressed the f*ck out about the baby's father and him being an a****** to me, living alone in a city away from my family because I'm in the military, only a few friends because I moved while pregnant, still working every day, taking care of my two big dogs that I've been accused of letting get fat because I can't be as active as I was... yeah I'm tired too. We all are, I get it. But I would still rather let him pick when to get here personally.

And it still has nothing to do with the original post, the original post was about the blatant spread of misinformation.

Some people are taking this post the wrong way. For all I know my baby could come before 39 weeks, and that's fine. BUT there are women out there with wrong information. I saw a post, might not have been in this group it might have been the Third trimester group, where someone asked when was full term and almost every answer was 37 or 38 weeks.

I don't think doctors are telling their patients 37 weeks is full term, but more that 37 weeks is term enough for your baby to be born with little to no complications. So people are saying 37 weeks is term. Everybody knows the longer the baby stays in the womb the better, but some of us are tired! If my doctor wanted to induce me before 39 weeks I'm all for it. If you aren't that's your decision.

I got checked at 35 Weeks and was told I was 4cm. Now I am 37 weeks and 4 days and still nothing. It does give false hope in my opinion and I wish I never did it. I normally go into labor at 37 Weeks but every baby is different.

No one is bashing ?

All three of my kids doc has said 37 is pre term. Yes it's safer for baby to come. But it isn't full term. Such as 39 +. 37 there still is higher risks. Then 39+.

My c section isn't scheduled tell I'm 39+1 for that reason. I'd rather him cook as long as possible.

I was checked at my 37 weeks appointment Monday and it HURT so bad and I've been spotting since!! I was never checked early with my son so I didn't know what to expect, there's really no point unless you suspect labor in my opinion. With my son at 39 weeks I was having cramping so I convinced them to check baby was high, no dilation she predicted I'd go 2 weeks over due... my water broke the next morning at like 4am! So progress can happen at any time. I was initially going to turn them down because of this, but I saw a different OB and I didn't stand my ground

Ohhh I missed that. Yeah I mean to each their own! My OB offers at 37 weeks, I haven't decided yet. I just don't want to have false hope or feel let down haha.

@Shaina, one of the pp said they don't think it's fair that Drs check for dilation. I find that ridiculous because why should anyone be offended if I decide i want to be checked.

Jessicarose, what are you even talking about?

I have some of them saved on my computer - didn't take it with me to L&D but will definitely get back to you on that.

There is just so much conflicting research on anything. Take caffeine for instance - one cup lowers this but makes you more susceptible to that.

I mean they have documented cases of women being 11 months pregnant and having healthy babies and then some are pregnant 7 months with the same great outcome.

But yes in my case I know the conception date. Initially I wanted to be induced at 37 weeks but after some considerations we decided to wait extra 10 days since she is measuring in 33rd percentile and I wanted her to be little more plump :)

And yes as pp said - pregnancy is so uncontrollable and a lot of people take it very literally - the due date is sacred, while in my opinion it shouldn't.

@miraclebaby despite my opinion, please know that my pregnancy has been anything but comfortable! ? Sciatica, SPD, and stretching the abdominal muscles to their breaking point -- all have been excruciating! I would LOVE (loooooove!!!!!) for this baby to come early. But that being said, my preference is to let nature do its thing because i believe it's better for me and baby provided that we continue to be healthy. And if that changes, I am definitely not avoidant of modern medicine!

...

I think the medical model has us programmed to control the uncontrollable. Some of this benefits us greatly, I.E., fertility procedures creating miracle babies or preventing pre-term deliveries. Other times they distract us from something equally as miraculous -- allowing a healthy body to deliver a healthy baby in his or her own time.

...

And then we just pretend to control our babes for the next 18+ years. God has a great sense of humor. ?

How is it not fair to you if I want to be checked? I like to know where my body is at as I've had all 3 of my previous babies before 39 weeks. If you don't want to be checked, don't get checked. I don't bash you for that. I prefer to know if all my contractions are either starting something or not.

Pat, do you have any links to this research? I really like to be informed. Also, I didn't know that countries like Poland didn't count the first two weeks. That actually makes more sense to me, I never knew why the first two weeks were counted haha.

I just hate that so many women in general are so uninformed, and it seems like a lot of doctors are too! I think we can all make better decisions and decisions that are right for us as long as we know all the facts. In your case you knew when you conceived and decided to be induced at 38 1/2 weeks I believe? I know there were other factors influencing this, but at least you knew all the facts before you decided.

Sara, don't feel bad! I'm sure your baby will be perfectly healthy. And it's what's best for you two.

I wish I could make it further I just found out today I'll be induced Friday at 37w3d and I'm scared enough as it is she's coming this early.

I agree with this post. Many woman want to jump start labor when they should be wanting their baby to be fully developed and make it to get.

In some countries - Poland for example where I am from - living in USA now; pregnancy lasts 38 weeks because most doctors don't count the first two weeks from LMP to conception as pregnancy.

Additionally there is so much new research coming out every day that's it's hard to be up to date. Last year a research came out showing that after 38 weeks /40weeks pregnancy the rate of stillborn children increases significantly. But there is also research that shows that there are benefits.

Lungs and Brain continue to developed well into childhood and adulthood.

Pregnancy is just not very well understood. And each case should be treated individually- my personal opinion. After all science bearly knows why womens body doesn't really attack the fetus as foreign object - since it does have different genetic/immunological make up.

Oh okay I was so shocked for a second ? some of the practices use outdated info. The practice I go to they update constantly and take new classes. They are very firm but I know my friends doctor wants to induce her at 37 weeks because he has his vacation planned I'm like wth ?

I was told term is 37 weeks but full term is 39 weeks

Miraclebaby, I'm sorry that you're in such pain. In your case I would think it fair for your OB to at least induce you at 39-40 weeks since your pregnancy is high risk! But if you can hold out and go into labor on your own I'm sure your experience will be 10x better.

I am American! I just know that other countries have different standards. But the 37-38 weeks is full term comments are coming from Americans too, even though the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine says 39-40. You would think we would all be on the same page in the US at least.

39 weeks. My doctor does not rush unless it's a medical need. He won't induce till 41 weeks exactly.

@shaina are you not American? I read the Americans and I'm like omg all this time I thought she was in the US lol

For my doctor, 37 weeks is term and 40 is full term. Having had a high risk pregnancy, I was told for 6 months that making it to 37 weeks would be close to a miracle. Now that I'm 37w4d and nothing is happening, I can't handle being pregnant anymore because of all the complications I've had to go through. I envy you ladies who had an easier pregnancy and of course I want my little one to be here on their own terms. This little miracle was never supposed to happen for my husband and I because of infertility issues. I suffered throughout my pregnancy but baby is doing great so I know it wasn't for nothing, but having to wait another few weeks until I get to see this little miracle of ours is very difficult, especially since I'm having a hard time with pregnancy. I'm really happy for you ladies who have the ability to enjoy this experience and understand that the closer we make it to full term, the better it is for our babies. My head is with you on that one, but my heart and my hormonal body still couldn't hold back my tears yesterday when my OB told me my cervix was still closed shut and baby was still high. I trust my doctor when he tells me I can't be induced before 41 weeks, but it still hurts to know I might have to wait longer than everybody thought for months. Oh the joys of pregnancy and the hormones that come with it! ?

Sbowe, I hope she got a new doctor after that! I wouldn't trust one that was that far off with information.

I've always heard and my Dr. also said that 39 weeks is full term. My friend was told 36 was and I thought that was so crazy. If dates are wrong that could be 4-6 weeks early not just 4.

I live in England and here 37 weeks is considered full term (according to MY midwife) 40 weeks is the expected due date.. they will not let you go to 42 weeks without intervention.

The hospital I deliver at won't let any doctors induce until 40 weeks I believe. Unless there is a medical condition! I had a scare and my doctor told me they don't stop labor anymore after 37 weeks. If the baby is coming after then they just let the body go. He's pretty old school. With my daughter he didn't talk induction till a week after her due date. But at exactly a week after hee due date he gave me the option to induce and I took that offer.

My doctor considers 37 term, 39 full term. Basically 37 weeks they won't stop labor from coming, 39 they will consider induction if your body shows favorable signs for one

37 weeks here and that's always my consultants goal anything over is a bonus I've had a 37 38 39 and a 40 and they all been fine I am currently 35 and wouldn't be worried if I had to have her next week I know I've no chance of getting past 39

I'm glad you posted this. The thing that bothers me are all of the posts about women being disappointed in their bodies if they aren't 3cm dilated, fully engaged and effaced at 37 weeks. I don't even think it's fair of dr's to check before 39. Mine won't even ask if you want to be checked until 39. It really messes with your mind and sets up false expectations getting checked so early. (All of this is referring to a healthy pregnancy with no pre term signs)

One book I read said the average pregnancy is actually 41+3

My doctor considers 37 weeks term but in the way that if you were in labor and everything looked good with baby they wouldn't intervene to stop. They told me last time even at high risk they would not induce before my due date. I think baby will come when it wants to am I hoping baby comes at 39 weeks yes but I already told me husband I don't want to be induced with medication. So even if I go over I'll be taking shots of tabasco sauce and doing squats lol

@kgoff nobody is judging or bashing anyone. We are talking about elective inducing and csections before term. My sister had one 13 yrs ago, because her doctor was going in vacation and wanted her to deliver before he left. It was her Dr. that offered. In your case, it is medically necessary. And for those that go into labor naturally preterm, there is nothing they can do about it. Please don't feel like we are bashing. We are just trying to discuss the inconsistencies in DRs. Views on what is term. It's nice to have this info.

Who is bashing or judging??????????? I haven't seen anyone do that.

While that may be the case, as someone who is likely going to end up with medical intervention due to complications with both my pregnancies prior to "term," I find it a bit hurtful that people are continually bashing the preterm births. In some cases, waiting for 39 weeks would be dangerous. I just don't think anybody should be judging anyone else's delivery time line.

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Just in case anyone is interested in more information. And before anyone gets upset or defensive, yes I believe that your baby was born earlier than 39 weeks and was just fine.

"In the past, a pregnancy that lasted anywhere between 37 to 42 weeks was called a term pregnancy. Health care providers once thought this 5-week period was a safe time for most babies to be born.

But new research shows that every week of pregnancy counts for the health of your baby. Lots of important things happen to your baby in the last few weeks of pregnancy. For example, your baby's brain and lungs are still developing. Being pregnant for at least 39 weeks gives your baby’s body the time it needs to grow and develop.

The new definitions can help more babies be born healthy by helping to prevent births that are being scheduled a little early for non-medical reasons. If your pregnancy is healthy, wait for labor to begin on its own."

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Here's why your baby needs 39 weeks:

• Important organs, like his brain, lungs and liver, get the time they need to develop.

• He is less likely to have vision and hearing problems after birth.

• He has time to gain more weight in the womb. Babies born at a healthy weight have an easier time staying warm than babies born too small.

• He can suck and swallow and stay awake long enough to eat after he's born. Babies born early sometimes can't do these things.

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All I'm going to say is THANK YOU. For those who do not have complications, babies should be born on their birth day. That's it.

Managed care has ruined our thinking about the pregnancy, labor and delivery process.

Flip side! I also hear awesome stories of docs who are advising c-sect for legitimate reasons, offer a supportive mom/baby friendly experience, and wait until mom has started labor process to ensure baby is ready to come. Here's hoping the regs keep moving towards healthy moms and babies with low interventions.

LaurenGJ, I agree! Wish everyone would get on the same page.

Iluvbabies, no one said that there's anything wrong with induction or C section if the mom or baby is at risk. I just think people should be informed and it seems that many are not. If my baby came right now at 36w3d I would expect him to probably be healthy and fine. But I am aware that as long as I'm fine and he's fine, 39 weeks or more is best.

My doctor made it very clear 39 wks is full term. It's frustrating that depending on who your doctor is, you might be told something different. Same with medications, alcohol and caffeine. I'm grateful my doctor is more conservative. I'd always rather be safe than sorry.

37 weeks is a safe zone for babies to come early due to health issues of the mom.

I think maybe people focus solely on babies health and forget about the mamas.

Yes there are benefits to the baby staying in longer but does it benefit the moms health too? Some women have very difficult pregnancies. There hearts suffer, their bodies suffer in many ways..so 37 weeks is a big deal. It is a milestone for these women.

If you're blessed with a healthy pregnancy and you don't need any assistance that's amazing. But I don't think putting so much weight on what should be considered full term is a big deal.

So much can happen and mom and babies health are equally important.

Dubisanchi, nope! My OB clinic defines full term as 39 weeks. And they're a military clinic so usually you would expect less of them lol. I just keep seeing all these American women whose doctors are telling them 37 weeks. I think I even saw someone say 36 weeks before.

Runsyellowlites, I guess you are right! It's kind of frustrating though. You would think to expect more out of them, especially when it comes to things like that.

My doctor said 39 weeks is full term and I'm getting induced 39+1. They can and will deliver earlier if there are any complications during your pregnancy or possible red flags. Has your doctor mentioned any concerns to you?

Statistically it takes 10 years for new recommendation to become common practice & 5 for major hospitals/facilities to know & implement....

This is why I don't understand why people always automatically defer to their doctors simply bc they have an "MD" behind their name.... often times, it's VERY POSSIBLE for them to not be aware of the new info.

From personal experience, I had an NP in our local pregnancy clinic tell me over TWO YEARS after the rec change that automatic repeat cesarean was the *recommendation* not vbac. And there are STILL doctors out there that believe this 7 years after the change. ??‍♀️

I know my doc says 39-40 but I think there's a few factors to consider: 1) not everyone on here is from America so obviously that's a biggie, 2) you may have some old school docs who still say 37-38 is term and 3) I think sometimes people don't differentiate between early term and full term, whether it be the doc not fully explaining the difference or the patient not understanding or expressing the difference. I know my NP told me a few weeks ago that I was "term enough" that they wouldn't stop labor if it started and I obviously know the difference and what she meant but I can see how that would get confusing for others, especially some FTMs.

My dr also considers 39weeks full term but he would never induce in a normal healthy pregnancy until past 39 weeks and even then only if he's worried you aren't having contractions with the stage of placental calcification. Even then he'd make sure from us that scans show organs are well developed. I just hit 39w today and my next appt is this saturday and thats when my obstetrician will see how effaced and dilated i am and consider a membrane sweep to speed things along. Thought bubs would be out by now as having so much pressure and pain, cramps, contractions amd bubs been fully engaged but nope still waiting.