Definition

Adjective 1. Relating to the complete duration of a normal pregnancy: Describes a baby born after developing in the womb for the typical, expected period of gestation, which is approximately 37 to 42 weeks from the first day of the mother's last menstrual period. - The doctor confirmed it was a full-term pregnancy. - A full-term infant usually has better health outcomes than a premature one.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • After a routine check-up, the obstetrician assured her she would likely deliver a full-term baby.
  • The neonatal unit is for premature infants; full-term newborns typically stay with their mothers on another ward.
  • Most developmental milestones are based on the growth of a full-term infant.

Advanced Usage

• "to go full-term": To carry a pregnancy to its complete, expected duration.
  • Despite some early concerns, she managed to go full-term.
• Used in medical and general contexts to specify the maturity of a newborn, often contrasted with "preterm" or "premature."

Variants and Related Words

• Term (noun): In this context, the designated end point of a pregnancy.
  • The baby was born at term.
• Full-term can function as a compound adjective, often hyphenated, especially when preceding a noun (e.g., a full-term delivery).

Synonyms

• At term: Having reached the end of the normal gestation period.
• Mature (in the specific context of birth): Fully developed for birth.

Antonyms

• Premature: Born before 37 weeks of gestation.
• Preterm: Occurring or born before the full term of pregnancy.

Related Phrases

• Full-term birth/delivery/pregnancy: Phrases specifying the event or period.
  • The hospital has a high rate of successful full-term deliveries.
• Post-term: Referring to a pregnancy that extends beyond 42 weeks.

Adjective

1. gestated for the entire duration of normal pregnancy
   • a healthy full-term baby