Study note

Classification of neonates by gestational age and birth weight

THE CONTEXT

Neonates are classified using gestational age and birth weight; the source defines birth weight categories independently of gestational age.

•

A term neonate is born from 37 to less than 42 weeks of gestation, corresponding to 259–293 days.

•

A preterm neonate is born before 37 weeks, or before 259 days, irrespective of birth weight.

•

A post-term neonate is born at 42 weeks or later, corresponding to 294 days or more.

•

Late preterm birth occurs between 34 weeks and 36 weeks and 6 days.

•

Very preterm birth occurs between 28 weeks and 31 weeks and 6 days.

•

Low birth weight (LBW) means a birth weight below 2500 g, irrespective of gestational age.

•

Very low birth weight (VLBW) means a birth weight below 1500 g, irrespective of gestational age.

•

The source states that developed nations such as the USA and UK define stillbirths at 20 weeks of gestation.

NEETx

Learn. Practise. Remember.