The minimum period for pregnancy is approximately 37 weeks, or 259 days, from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period (LMP). This is considered a full-term pregnancy, and babies born after 37 weeks are generally considered healthy and able to thrive outside the womb.
However, it's important to note that a baby can be born healthy and viable before 37 weeks, especially if the pregnancy is complicated.
Here are some important points to consider:
- Premature birth: A baby born before 37 weeks is considered premature. Premature babies may require special care and attention, but many thrive with proper medical support.
- Gestational age: The gestational age is the time between the first day of the woman's last menstrual period and the baby's birth.
- Due date: The due date is calculated based on the LMP and is an estimated date of birth. It's important to remember that due dates are not always accurate, and babies can be born before or after their due date.
