At which gestational age is a newborn considered preterm?

• A. 38-40 weeks
• B. 37 weeks and under
• C. 34 weeks and under
• D. 30 weeks and under

Answer: (B)

A newborn is considered preterm when they are born at 37 weeks of gestation or earlier. Gestational age is measured from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period (LMP) to the time of delivery.

Being born at or after 38 weeks is generally considered full-term, while any delivery before 37 weeks is classified as preterm. This classification is important because preterm infants are at a higher risk for various health complications due to their underdeveloped organs and systems. Therefore, understanding this distinction is crucial for healthcare providers in terms of preparing for the newborn's care needs immediately after delivery.

The other options reflect gestational periods that do not fit the standard definition of preterm. For instance, being born at or before 34 weeks or even 30 weeks may categorize the newborn as moderately or very preterm, but the threshold for preterm classification specifically is 37 weeks.