Preterm labor is defined as the onset of labor before which week of gestation?

Preterm labor is recognized as labor that occurs between 20 weeks and 36 weeks and 6 days of gestation, which means any labor that begins before the completion of 37 weeks is classified as preterm. This is critical because 37 weeks marks the threshold for full-term pregnancy. At 37 weeks, the fetus has usually developed sufficiently for better health outcomes post-delivery. Labeling labor that begins before this point as preterm signifies the increased risks associated with it, including immature organ development and a higher likelihood of complications for the infant. Thus, understanding that preterm labor is defined as the onset of labor before 37 weeks of gestation is essential for recognizing the clinical significance and potential interventions for pregnant individuals at risk for preterm delivery.