Pregnancy typically lasts for about 280 days, or 40 weeks. This is considered a full-term pregnancy. A pregnancy is counted from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period. [^1]
Understanding Pregnancy Duration
- Full Term: A full-term pregnancy is approximately 40 weeks (280 days).[^1, 2]
- Preterm: A pregnancy ending before 37 weeks is considered preterm or premature. Preterm births are categorized further:
- Extremely preterm: 23-28 weeks
- Moderately preterm: 29-33 weeks [^1]
- Time to Conceive: While the question asks about pregnancy length, it's important to note that it typically takes most couples around a year of trying to conceive with regular, unprotected sex. However, fertility decreases with age. ^3
The 40-week mark is significant because it represents the optimal gestational age for fetal development and reduces the risks associated with premature birth. ^2
[^1]: Information derived from multiple sources, including New York State Department of Health and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists materials.
