International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

At what gestational age is a newborn categorized as late term?

1. 38 to 39 6/7 weeks

2. 40 to 41 6/7 weeks

3. 41 to 41 6/7 weeks

4. 42 weeks and beyond

The correct answer is: 41 to 41 6/7 weeks

A newborn is categorized as late term when born between 41 weeks and 41 weeks and 6 days of gestation. This classification is based on guidelines that differentiate between preterm, term, late term, and postterm pregnancies. Understanding the gestational age classifications is essential for healthcare providers as it impacts management and care strategies in the perinatal period. The late term category indicates a higher risk for certain complications compared to earlier term births, as the fetus may be more ready to thrive but is also at a higher risk for issues such as meconium aspiration and stillbirth. Hence, identifying a newborn as late term helps in understanding the associated health risks and planning appropriately for delivery and newborn care. The other gestational age categories, such as preterm and early term, do not fall within the timeline specified for late term, as they represent different ranges that occur before or after this specific timeframe.