What is the term for a baby born before the completion of 37 weeks gestation?

The term for a baby born before the completion of 37 weeks of gestation is "preterm." This classification primarily refers to infants who are delivered between 20 and 36 weeks gestation. Babies born in this timeframe may face various health challenges due to their underdeveloped organs and systems.

In contrast, a term birth is typically defined as occurring between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation, while full-term specifically refers to a gestation period that reaches at least 39 weeks. A post-term baby is one that is born after 42 weeks of gestation. Understanding these definitions is critical in obstetric care, as the gestational age at which a baby is born can significantly impact their neonatal health and necessary interventions.