Birth weight
Birth weight
Birth weight (/bɜːrθ weɪt/) is the body weight of a baby at its birth. The average birth weight in babies of European heritage is approximately 3.5 kilograms (7.7 lb), though the range of normal is between 2.5 kilograms (5.5 lb) and 4.5 kilograms (9.9 lb).
Etymology
The term "birth weight" originates from the English words "birth" (from Old English gebyrd meaning "birth, descent, race, nature") and "weight" (from Old English gewiht meaning "weight, measure, amount").
Related terms
- Low birth weight: A term used when the newborn weighs less than 2.5 kg.
- High birth weight: Also known as macrosomia, is used when the newborn weighs more than 4 kg.
- Small for gestational age: A term used when the baby's birth weight is below the 10th percentile for their gestational age.
- Large for gestational age: A term used when the baby's birth weight is above the 90th percentile for their gestational age.
Factors affecting birth weight
Several factors can affect a baby's birth weight, including the mother's health during pregnancy, the mother's weight, whether the mother used tobacco or alcohol, the parents' sizes, and whether it's the mother's first baby.
Health implications
Birth weight is often used as an indicator of the newborn's health. Babies with low birth weight are at a higher risk of early death and long-term health and developmental issues. On the other hand, babies with high birth weight are at risk of birth injuries and may have an increased risk of obesity and diabetes later in life.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Birth weight
- Wikipedia's article - Birth weight
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