A new study finds even if their lungs are mature, babies delivered at 36 to 38 weeks are at significantly increased risk for respiratory and other health problems.
That's compared to babies delivered at 39 to 41 weeks.
The study is being presented at the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine meeting in San Francisco.
Authors say patients need to be counseled carefully if they choose to have a scheduled delivery prior to 39 weeks.
They reiterate even if tests indicate a baby's lungs are mature, delivery prior to 39 weeks is not without risks.
