Dumb but can it be normal to give birth before 40 weeks?

ccdcny · April 2010

I am just curious. Sometimes I feel like I am getting so big I may go early than my June 10 due date. This is our first so I have no idea what to expect-if going early, on or around due date or if normal to go late. Does it just depend on each person and baby?

Aliliv · April 2010

It's all normal. Olivia was 2 weeks late and Natalie was 1 week early.

MoniqueJW · April 2010

yes from what I have read it is 'normal' to give birth anywhere from 37-42 weeks, it vaires person to person

I think it's only 5% of people who give birth on their actual due date

kaiteedidit · April 2010

I believe they say most first time moms go late. But I know many first time moms that did not make it to their due date.

kochmcdiarts · April 2010

Depends on person and the baby.My mom went three or more weeks early with me and my two sisters. My MIL went two or more weeks late with DH and all four of his sisters. :S

I really hope this kid takes after the babies in my family and comes early rather than taking after his daddy and staying in two weeks late... LOL

MrsAmyB · April 2010

40 weeks is an average. So, most deliver between 38-42 weeks. Its "normal" to deliver within that range.

Deltadawn8 · April 2010

Yes it can be normal to deliver before 40w. My 1st was born at 38w 6d. Hoping #2 is early too Smile

ToBeMcInerney · April 2010

I was about a month early and my brother was about 2 week early. DH and his sister were both a little over a week late though.

EmilyAnn10 · April 2010

MrsAmyB:
40 weeks is an average. So, most deliver between 38-42 weeks. Its "normal" to deliver within that range.

This. LO is actually considered full term at 32wks which means they have a pretty good survival rate if born before 40wks.

BlairsMommy · April 2010

37 weeks is considered to be full term.

cuz that is when their bodies r fully developed and are jus accumulating body fat after that, so yes it is very normal to be born before 40 weeks. a lot of ppl go longer than 40 weeks also. not too many ppl actually deliver on their due dates. everyone is diff and your due date is just an estimate anyways

i hope i go early but idk if im that lucky good luck to u!!!

MeanMommyLady · April 2010

EmilyAnn10:
MrsAmyB:
40 weeks is an average. So, most deliver between 38-42 weeks. Its "normal" to deliver within that range.

This. LO is actually considered full term at 32wks which means they have a pretty good survival rate if born before 40wks.

32 weeks is NOT considered full term. 37 weeks is where most doctors consider you full term. It is totally normal for babies to be born anywhere from 37-42 weeks gestation, that is why your 40 week date is an ESTIMATED DUE DATE...it's an average and only 5% of women deliver on that date.

RitaT22 · April 2010

MeanMommyLady:
EmilyAnn10:
MrsAmyB:
40 weeks is an average. So, most deliver between 38-42 weeks. Its "normal" to deliver within that range.

This. LO is actually considered full term at 32wks which means they have a pretty good survival rate if born before 40wks.
32 weeks is NOT considered full term. 37 weeks is where most doctors consider you full term. It is totally normal for babies to be born anywhere from 37-42 weeks gestation, that is why your 40 week date is an ESTIMATED DUE DATE...it's an average and only 5% of women deliver on that date.

I was going to say... Yes

lms_bride · April 2010

Yes, it is within the range of normal. My son was 2 weeks early for my first pregnancy. Read your pregnancy books - they will talk all about this. Or read on Babycenter.com.

BelleIsa · April 2010

MoniqueJW:
yes from what I have read it is 'normal' to give birth anywhere from 37-42 weeks, it vaires person to person

I think it's only 5% of people who give birth on their actual due date

This.

ASmallWonder · April 2010

Like others said, it's totally possible to go early. BUT, size and readiness are separate so how big you are isn't an indication of when baby will decide to make its debut