Viability refers to the fetal survival outside the uterus at approximately which weeks?

• A. 12-13 weeks
• B. 28-29 weeks
• C. 40 weeks
• D. 23-24 weeks

Answer: (D)

Viability means the gestational age at which a fetus has a reasonable chance to survive outside the womb with medical help. With modern neonatal care, that tipping point is around 23–24 weeks. This aligns with lung development and the start of surfactant production needed for breathing after birth; before this window, the lungs and other organs are typically too immature for independent life. As pregnancy progresses to about 28–29 weeks and beyond, survival becomes more likely due to further maturation of the lungs, brain, and other systems. So the approximate weeks for viability are 23–24.