At what gestational age is a fetus considered viable outside the womb?

A fetus is generally considered viable outside the womb at around 24 weeks of gestation. This is an important milestone in prenatal development, as it marks the point where the chances of survival increase significantly if a premature birth occurs. At 24 weeks, the lungs, which are crucial for breathing air, have developed enough to allow for some degree of respiratory function, and the fetus has reached a level of development that can potentially sustain life with medical support.

Though infants born at this age may face numerous health challenges and require intensive care, advancements in neonatal medicine have improved survival rates for premature infants born at or after 24 weeks. Recognizing the 24-week mark as the standard for viability helps healthcare providers and families make critical decisions regarding care and intervention in cases of preterm labor.

The choices of 20 weeks, 22 weeks, and 26 weeks reflect earlier and later milestones respectively, but 24 weeks is widely accepted as the threshold for viability. While there may be cases of survival at slightly earlier gestational ages, these are not the norm and often involve significant risks and potential complications.