Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
06:49
Methods for Studying Uterine Contributions to Pregnancy Establishment in an Ovariectomized Mouse Model
Published on: April 7, 2023
Rethinking the definition of "term pregnancy".
Alan R Fleischman1, Motoko Oinuma, Steven L Clark
1From the National Office, March of Dimes, White Plains, New York; the Hospital Corporation of America, Nashville, Tennessee; and the Departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|June 23, 2010
Summary
Early term births (37-38 weeks) show higher risks than later term births. Reclassifying term birth is crucial for improved infant outcomes and pregnancy management.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Perinatal Epidemiology
Background:
- Term birth (37-41 weeks) was historically viewed as a single, low-risk group.
- The definition of term birth lacks a strong scientific basis and may obscure important variations.
- Emerging evidence indicates significant outcome differences within the term gestational age range.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the clinical significance of early term births (37 0/7 to 38 6/7 weeks).
- To advocate for the recognition of early term birth as a distinct subcategory.
- To encourage gestational age-specific data collection for improved perinatal care.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical definitions and current evidence regarding term birth.
- Analysis of existing data suggesting increased risks in early term neonates.
- Comparative analysis of neonatal mortality and morbidity across term subcategories.
Main Results:
- Early term births are associated with increased neonatal mortality and morbidity compared to later term births.
- The current broad definition of term birth may mask critical differences in infant outcomes.
- Gestational age-specific data are essential for accurate risk assessment.
Conclusions:
- The arbitrary definition of term birth requires re-evaluation.
- Adoption of an "early term" subcategory is recommended for precise clinical management.
- Further research focusing on specific gestational age intervals within term birth is needed to optimize infant outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:07Teratogenicity
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
01:52Regression Toward the Mean
Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when researchers try to extrapolate results...
01:27Ovarian Cycle
The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...
01:19Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management
The nursing management of Mitral Valve Prolapse, or MVP, centers around patient education, symptom monitoring, and lifestyle modifications.Patient Education on MVP Diagnosis and Heredity: Nurses should provide comprehensive education about MVP, a condition where the mitral valve does not close appropriately during heartbeats. This education often includes the condition's pathophysiology, symptoms, and potential complications, like arrhythmias or mitral regurgitation. Though not fully...
01:20Proliferative Phase
The proliferative phase typically occurs after menstruation and lasts between 6 to 13 days in a standard 28-day cycle. This phase involves the reconstruction of the endometrium, guided by estrogen produced by the developing ovarian follicle.
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...