The word “viable” is used in the pregnancy and birthing industry to describe a fetus or embryo that has a chance of surviving outside the womb. This term is often used interchangeably with “live birth,” but there is a big difference between the two. A live birth is when a baby is born alive, while a viable pregnancy is one in which the baby has a chance of surviving.
There are a few factors that play into whether or not a pregnancy is considered viable. One is how far along the pregnancy is. A baby that is born before 24 weeks is considered non-viable, meaning that it cannot survive outside the womb. The chances of survival increase as the pregnancy progresses, and by 28 weeks, most babies that are born survive.
Another factor that affects viability is the health of the fetus. If the fetus has a congenital anomaly or is otherwise not healthy, it may not be viable.
The term “viable” is also used to describe an embryo that has been created through in vitro fertilization (IVF). In order for an embryo to be considered viable, it must be able to implant in the uterus and develop into a healthy pregnancy.
Other Related Terms
There are a few other terms that are closely associated with viability. These include: Fetal viability: This term is used to describe a fetus that has a chance of surviving outside the womb.
Maternal viability: This term is used to describe a mother who has a chance of carrying a pregnancy to term.
Medical viability: This term is used to describe a fetus or embryo that has a chance of surviving with medical intervention.
So, what does the term “viable” really mean? It simply means that the pregnancy has a chance of resulting in a live birth. However, there are a number of factors that can affect the viability of a pregnancy, including the gestational age of the fetus and the health of the mother and fetus.
This image shows how often the term ‘Viable’ is used in relation to other, similar birth terms:
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