How is a full term infant's appearance described compared to preterm infants?

A full-term infant is typically described as well-rounded and smooth in appearance, which is due to several factors. Full-term infants generally have a higher percentage of body fat compared to preterm infants. This increased body fat contributes to a more rounded, plump physique, providing insulation and energy reserves. Additionally, the skin of a full-term infant is more mature and less wrinkled than that of a preterm infant, giving it a smoother appearance. Premature infants, on the other hand, may have thinner skin that appears more wrinkled due to less subcutaneous fat and other developmental factors that have not fully matured. The visual characteristics of well-roundedness and smoothness in full-term infants reflect their developmental maturity and the physiological changes that occur during the later stages of pregnancy.