The process of development of a baby from conception to birth in the mother’s womb.
The period of growth initiated at conception and terminated by parturition (birth).
The period during which a fetus is developing in the uterus, from conception to childbirth. If a baby is premature, its stage of development is indicated by its gestational age, the number of weeks from the beginning of the mother’s last menstruation. The average length of gestation is 266 days (38 weeks) from the date of fertilization. But since the date of fertilization may be unknown or uncertain, doctors traditionally calculate the due date as being 280 days (40 weeks) from the beginning of the mother’s last menstruation.
Period of time in humans and other viviparous animals from fertilization of the ovum to birth; the length of pregnancy. Human gestation averages 266 days, or about 280 days from the first day of the last menstrual period.
Length of time of the development of a fetus in utero from conception to birth.
Pregnancy; the period of time during which a fetus develops in the uterus, from conception to childbirth. The average time span for gestation is 266 days, or 38 weeks, from the date of fertilization. Since that date is rarely known, doctors traditionally measure gestation from the beginning of the mother’s last menstrual period, calculating the baby’s due date as 280 days, or 40 weeks, from that point. A pregnancy that results in a birth within 2 weeks of the predicted due date is called a term pregnancy.
The period during which a fertilized egg cell develops into a baby that is ready to be delivered. Gestation averages 266 days in humans (or 280 days from the first day of the last menstrual period).
Another name for pregnancy, used to describe how long it has lasted. Thus, a baby born at term has been in gestation for 37—40 weeks.
In mammals, the length of time from conception to birth. The average gestation time is a species-specific trait. In humans, the average length, as calculated from the first day of the last normal menstrual period, is 280 days, with a normal range of 259 days (37 weeks) to 287 days (41 weeks). Infants born prior to the 37th week are considered premature and those born after the 41st week, postmature.
The span commencing from conception and culminating with birth, encompassing the gestation of the developing fetus ensconced within the confines of the uterus.