ACOG committee opinion no. 560: Medically indicated late-preterm and early-term deliveries

Abstract

The neonatal risks of late preterm (34 0/7-36 6/7 weeks of gestation) and early-term (37 0/7-38 6/7 weeks of gestation) births are well established. However, there are a number of maternal, fetal, and placental complications in which either a late-preterm or early-term delivery is warranted. The timing of delivery in such cases must balance the maternal and newborn risks of late-preterm and early-term delivery with the risks of further continuation of pregnancy. Decisions regarding timing of delivery must be individualized. Amniocentesis for the determination of fetal lung maturity in well-dated pregnancies generally should not be used to guide the timing of delivery.