Täysalkuiset

Täysalkuiset is a Finnish term that translates to "full-term infants" or "term babies." It refers to babies born after a complete gestation period, typically between 37 and 42 completed weeks of pregnancy. This period is considered optimal for fetal development, allowing the baby to reach maturity in terms of organ function and physical readiness for life outside the womb.

Babies born within this gestational range are generally expected to have a lower risk of complications compared to premature or post-term infants. Their lungs are usually well-developed, and they have sufficient body fat reserves to regulate their temperature. They typically exhibit good Apgar scores, indicating good health at birth.

The term täysalkuiset is important in obstetrics and pediatrics for categorizing newborns and assessing their developmental stage and potential health needs. Medical professionals use this classification to guide care during and after birth. A baby born at 37 weeks is considered täysalkuinen, as is a baby born at 40 or 41 weeks. Gestation beyond 42 weeks is considered post-term, which can also present its own set of potential risks. The distinction between premature, full-term, and post-term births is a fundamental concept in understanding neonatal health and development.