If “early” means preterm — before 37 weeks of pregnancy — first babies are more likely to be early. Based on live births recorded in the National Survey of Family Growth, about 12% of first babies are born preterm, compared to 10% of other babies.
The researchers found that 50% of all women giving birth for the first time gave birth by 40 weeks and 5 days, while 75% gave birth by 41 weeks and 2 days. Meanwhile, 50% of all women who had given birth at least once before gave birth by 40 weeks and 3 days, while 75% gave birth by 41 weeks.
Most pregnant people—about 80%—deliver sometime between 37 and 42 weeks, and about 11% deliver prematurely. While there aren't any hard and fast rules as to why some people deliver before their due dates or why others deliver later, there are a few things these groups have in common: Multiples.
More than 90% are born two weeks either side of the predicted date. But, as noted above, only 4% (or 4.4%, ignoring pregnancies with complications etc) are born on the predicted date itself - in other words, the chance of this happening is less than one in 20.
First babies are less likely to be “on time” at 39 weeks, and more likely to be a little late, between 41 and 43 weeks. Among full-term pregnancies, first babies are born about 1.3 days later on average.
Babies that come early or before 37 weeks are more likely to be first babies. According to the data recorded in the National Survey of Family Growth, around 12% of first babies are premature, compared with 10% of other babies.
Problems with the uterus, cervix or placenta. Smoking cigarettes or using illicit drugs. Some infections, particularly of the amniotic fluid and lower genital tract. Some chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
First time moms, if left alone to go into labor naturally tend to be pregnant for about 41 weeks and 1 day. Women who've had babies before tend to deliver around 40 weeks and 3 days.
Why Are Some Babies Born Early? Babies born before 37 weeks are premature. A premature birth is more likely to happen when a mother has a health problem — like diabetes — or does harmful things during her pregnancy, like smoke or drink. If she lives with a lot of stress, that also can make her baby be born too early.
First babies are sometimes smaller than brothers or sisters born later. Gender. Girls tend to be smaller, boys larger, but the differences are slight at birth.
It is very common for pregnant women to go beyond their due date. In fact, only about 5 per cent of women actually give birth on the exact date they are due. Most babies arrive between 37 weeks and 41 weeks of pregnancy, but usually within a week either side of their expected due date.
Spontaneous Premature Birth
Any kind of systemic inflammation or infection can cause a mom to have her baby early, including infections in the mouth (such as gum disease), vagina, uterus, and kidneys.
It also may increase your risk of having gestational diabetes and preterm labor. Stress may lead to high blood pressure during pregnancy. This puts you at risk of a serious high blood pressure condition called preeclampsia, premature birth and having a low-birthweight infant.
What Happens at 9 Months of Pregnancy? 36 Weeks Pregnant.
In the past, a baby born anytime between 37 weeks and 42 weeks was considered "term." A pregnancy is now considered "full term" at 39 weeks.
The first stage of labor and birth occurs when you begin to feel persistent contractions. These contractions become stronger, more regular and more frequent over time. They cause the cervix to open (dilate) and soften as well as shorten and thin (efface) to allow your baby to move into the birth canal.
Labor contractions usually cause discomfort or a dull ache in your back and lower abdomen, along with pressure in the pelvis. Contractions move in a wave-like motion from the top of the uterus to the bottom. Some women describe contractions as strong menstrual cramps.
Between 22 0/7 weeks and 27 6/7 weeks of gestation, ultrasonography dating has an accuracy of ± 10–14 days 19.
The number of movements you feel each day will plateau around this time, but they should not drop off. Your baby should continue to move to their usual pattern as you near your due date (RCOG 2019, Tommy's 2018). They will even keep moving during your labour (RCOG 2019, Tommy's 2018).
Giving birth up to two weeks before and two weeks after are still considered normal, she said, though she noted that as inductions have become more common, it's rare for pregnancies to last 42 weeks.
The average birth weight for babies is around 3.5 kg (7.5 lb), although between 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) and 4.5 kg (10 lb) is considered normal. In general: Boys are usually a little heavier than girls. First babies are usually lighter than later siblings.
More than 9 out of 10 babies born at term (37 to 40 weeks) weigh between 2.5kg and 4.5kg. If your baby weighs 4.5kg or more at birth, they are considered larger than normal. This is also known as 'fetal macrosomia' and large for gestational age (LGA).
At 37 weeks, your pregnancy is considered full-term. The average baby weighs around 3-4kg by now. Your baby is ready to be born, and you'll be meeting them some time in the next few weeks.