A full-term pregnancy typically lasts about 280 days, or 40 weeks. This is calculated from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period. However, it's important to note that pregnancies can vary slightly.
Understanding Pregnancy Length
- Full Term: A pregnancy lasting 37-40 weeks is considered full term. Babies born within this timeframe are generally healthy and fully developed.
- Preterm (or premature): A baby born before 37 weeks is considered preterm. The earlier the birth, the higher the risk of complications. Extremely preterm infants are born between 23 and 28 weeks, while moderately preterm infants are born between 29 and 33 weeks. (Source: Multiple sources including New York State Department of Health)
- Post-term: A pregnancy that extends beyond 42 weeks is considered post-term, and also carries potential risks.
The length of time it takes to get pregnant is a separate issue. Most couples who are having regular, unprotected sex will conceive within a year. However, fertility decreases with age. (Source: NHS)
While various factors influence pregnancy length and the timing of conception, the average length of a successful pregnancy remains approximately 40 weeks.
