At what gestational age is a baby considered preterm?

A baby is considered preterm if born before 37 weeks of gestation. This designation is important in neonatology and obstetrics as it reflects the immaturity of the newborn's organs and systems. Babies born preterm are at a higher risk for complications such as respiratory distress syndrome, feeding difficulties, and other developmental challenges due to not having completed the full term of gestation, which is typically around 40 weeks.

Gestational age is classified into various stages: preterm (less than 37 weeks), term (37 to 42 weeks), and post-term (greater than 42 weeks). Recognizing the thresholds for different gestational ages helps healthcare professionals provide appropriate care and monitoring for both the mother and the infant. Classifying any birth before 37 weeks gestation as preterm assists in understanding and managing the potential health issues associated with early birth.