Nurses should know some basic definitions concerning preterm birth,preterm labor,and low birth weight.For instance:
A) the terms preterm birth and low birth weight can be used interchangeably.
B) preterm labor is defined as cervical changes and uterine contractions occurring between 20 and 37 weeks of pregnancy.
C) low birth weight is anything below 3.7 lbs.
D) in the United States early in this century, preterm birth accounted for 18% to 20% of all births.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Before 20 weeks,it is not viable (miscarriage); after 37 weeks,it can be considered term.Although these terms are used interchangeably,they have different meanings: preterm birth describes the length of gestation (37 weeks)regardless of weight; low birth weight describes weight only (2500 g or less)at the time of birth,whenever it occurs.Low birth weight is anything less than 2500 g,or about 5.5 lbs.In 2003 the preterm birth rate in the United States was 12.3%,but it is increasing in frequency.

Nurses Should Know Some Basic Definitions Concerning Preterm Birth,preterm Labor,and