Prematurity in gestational age is defined as less than how many weeks?

• A. Less than 36 weeks
• B. Less than 38 weeks
• C. Less than 34 weeks
• D. Less than 40 weeks

Answer: (A)

Prematurity means the baby is born before reaching full-term gestation. Full term is generally 37 weeks or more, so any birth before 37 weeks is considered preterm. Preterm births are categorized by gestational age: extreme preterm (<28 weeks), very preterm (28–32 weeks), moderate preterm (32–34 weeks), and late preterm (34–36 weeks). This distinction matters clinically because organ systems may be immature, influencing therapy planning and motor development expectations.

In many exam contexts, the standard threshold to label prematurity is birth before 37 weeks. The option shown here uses a cutoff just before 36 weeks, which is slightly stricter than the usual standard. The takeaway to memorize is that prematurity is defined by being born before 37 weeks, with late preterm extending up to 36 weeks and 6 days.