Preterm pregnancy is defined as before 37 weeks; which week is used as an example of preterm?

• A. 39 weeks
• B. 35 weeks
• C. 42 weeks
• D. 37 weeks

Answer: (B)

Preterm pregnancy means gestational age less than 37 weeks. Any week under 37 fits this definition, so 35 weeks is the example of preterm. The other options are at or beyond 37 weeks: 39 and 42 are term (full to post-term), and 37 sits at the boundary (often labeled early term in some classifications, but not preterm). So 35 weeks is the correct example of a preterm gestation.