How long is a pregnancy that goes to full term?

A: Generally, a full term pregnancy is considered to be between 38 weeks and 42 weeks.  When you have your first prenatal visit and the doctor tells you your due date, that date is the day which is 40 weeks after the first day of your last menstral period. Click here in order to calculate your due date.

Babies born before 38 weeks are considered premature and are at an increased risk for having problems with their lungs and heart.  Premature babies are also at an increased risk for developing cereberal palsy.

Babies born after at 41 weeks and later are at increased risk to be still born.  Those babies are also at an increased risk to suffer injuries as a result of the delivery process due to their larger size. Often, injuries during the delivery process are the result of a condition known as shoulder dystocia, where the baby's shoulder becomes lodged against the mother's pelvis during the delivery.  There are specific steps a doctor is supposed to take to dislodge a shoulder dystocia and if the doctor does not do so the baby can suffer permanent nerve damage and injury.  This type of injury is known as a brachial plexus injury.

If your child was born with a birth injury or suffers from cerebral palsy it may be the result of medical malpractice.  Our team of lawyers and doctors can help you find out.   

Links:

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (Brachial Plexus Injuries)

Wikipedia (Brachial Plexus Injuries)