Women's Perceptions: When Is Pregnancy Full Term and Delivery Safe?

As a result of the growing prevalence of induced labors and elective cesarean deliveries, late preterm and early term deliveries (which are associated with adverse neonatal outcomes) are also on the rise. To assess women's knowledge of what constitutes full-term pregnancy and safe gestational ages at delivery, investigators conducted a telephone and online survey of 650 first-time mothers who had given birth within the prior 18 months at hospitals or health facilities. Most participants (58%) were white, 93% were married or partnered, and 58% were 30 to 39 years old.

In answer to the question, “at what gestational age do you believe the baby is considered full term?” 24% of respondents chose 34 to 36 weeks, 51% chose 37 to 38 weeks, and 25% …