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Updated: May 29, 2026
09:26
Transabdominal Ultrasound for Pregnancy Diagnosis in Reeves' Muntjac Deer
Published on: January 7, 2014
Term pregnancy: time for a redefinition.
Steven L Clark1, Alan R Fleischman
1Women's and Children's Clinical Services Group, Hospital Corporation of America, Twin Bridges, MT 59754, USA. steven.clark1@hcahealthcare.com
Clinics in Perinatology
|September 6, 2011
Summary
Term pregnancy definitions impact clinical management. Recent data reevaluates neonatal morbidity within the traditional term gestation period, highlighting risks previously overlooked.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Perinatal Health
Background:
- Clinical management of pregnancy complications relies on accurate gestational age definitions.
- Preterm birth and postterm pregnancy are known risk factors for neonatal morbidity.
- Limited attention has been given to differential neonatal morbidity within the conventionally defined term gestation interval.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reevaluate the concept of "term pregnancy" based on current data.
- To analyze the differential morbidity of neonates born at various times within the traditional term gestation period.
- To inform clinical practice regarding optimal timing of delivery and management of pregnancy complications.
Main Methods:
- Review and analysis of current epidemiological and clinical data on neonatal outcomes.
- Comparison of morbidity rates for neonates across the 5-week "term gestation" interval.
- Reassessment of established definitions of preterm, term, and postterm pregnancy.
Main Results:
- Neonatal morbidity varies significantly within the conventionally defined "term pregnancy" window.
- Specific gestational age ranges within term gestation present distinct risks for neonates.
- Current definitions may not adequately capture the nuanced risks associated with "term" births.
Conclusions:
- The traditional concept of "term pregnancy" requires reevaluation.
- Gestational age within the term interval has significant implications for neonatal outcomes.
- Clinical management strategies should consider the differential risks associated with specific "term" birth timing.
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