Differences between a term baby and a preterm baby: definition

Term infant born after 37 completed weeks , ≥37 0/7 weeks’ gestation
preterm infant born before 37 completed weeks •      extremely preterm (less than 28 weeks)

•      very preterm (28 to 32 weeks)

•      moderate to late preterm (32 to 37 weeks).
Post term infant born after 42 weeks 42 0/7 weeks’ gestation
  • Several terms are used to classify neonates according to BW, as follows
Low birth weight (LBW) neonates < 2500g
Very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates < 1500g
Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates < 1000g
  • These classifications aid the clinician in predicting clinical courses and outcomes.