If Martha goes into premature labor, when is the earliest date she can possibly give birth to a live baby?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Premature labor is defined as labor that occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy. The earliest that a baby has a chance of survival outside the womb is around 22-23 weeks, although the likelihood of survival at this stage is still very low. Therefore, the earliest date that Martha can possibly give birth to a live baby is during the twenty-second to twenty-third week of pregnancy. Options A and C are incorrect as they suggest earlier and later possible dates for live birth, respectively. Option D is incorrect as while it is impossible to accurately predict when premature labor will occur, it is possible to estimate the earliest possible date for live birth based on medical knowledge of fetal development and viability.

If Martha Goes into Premature Labor, When Is the Earliest