Preterm birth meaning

 # In humans, preterm birth refers to the birth of a baby of less:

A. Than 37 weeks gestational age

B. Than 41 weeks gestational age

C. Than 30 weeks gestational age

D. Than 38 weeks gestational age

The correct answer is A. Less than 37 weeks gestational age.

In humans preterm birth is the birth of a baby of less than 37 weeks gestational age. Premature birth is defined either as the same as preterm birth or the birth of a baby before the developing organs are mature enough to allow the survival of the baby after it is born.

Several organ systems mature between 34-37 weeks in the normal human fetus to reach adequate maturity. 

One of  the main organs greatly affected by premature birth is the lungs. The lungs are one of the last organs to develop. Because of this, premature babies typically spend the first days/weeks of their life on a ventilator. 

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