Low birth weight

Article about low birth weight in newborns

Low Birth Weight

A premature infant in an incubator

Low birth weight (LBW) is a term used to describe infants who are born weighing less than 2,500 grams (5 pounds, 8 ounces). This condition is a significant public health concern due to its association with increased risk of infant mortality and morbidity. Low birth weight can result from preterm birth (before 37 weeks of gestation) or from restricted fetal growth.

Causes

Low birth weight can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Preterm birth: The most common cause of low birth weight is preterm birth, which occurs when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy have been completed.
• Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR): This occurs when a baby does not grow at the normal rate inside the womb. It can be due to problems with the placenta, the mother's health, or the baby's health.
• Multiple pregnancies: Twins, triplets, and other multiples are more likely to be born at a low birth weight.
• Maternal health issues: Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and malnutrition can contribute to low birth weight.
• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol use, and drug use during pregnancy can increase the risk of having a low birth weight baby.

Complications

A mother with her premature baby

Infants with low birth weight are at increased risk for several health problems, including:

• Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS): Due to immature lungs, low birth weight infants may have difficulty breathing.
• Infections: These infants have underdeveloped immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections.
• Hypothermia: Low birth weight babies can have difficulty maintaining body temperature.
• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels can occur in these infants due to their small size and limited energy stores.
• Long-term developmental issues: There may be an increased risk of developmental delays and learning disabilities.

Management

A mother with her baby in an incubator

Management of low birth weight infants involves specialized care to address their unique needs. This may include:

• Neonatal intensive care: Many low birth weight infants require care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) where they can receive specialized medical attention.
• Temperature regulation: Incubators or radiant warmers are used to maintain body temperature.
• Nutritional support: Special feeding techniques, such as gavage feeding, may be necessary to ensure adequate nutrition.
• Monitoring and support: Continuous monitoring of vital signs and support for breathing and circulation may be required.

Prevention

Preventing low birth weight involves addressing the risk factors associated with it. Strategies include:

• Prenatal care: Regular prenatal visits can help monitor the health of the mother and the developing fetus.
• Healthy lifestyle choices: Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drugs during pregnancy can reduce the risk of low birth weight.
• Managing maternal health conditions: Proper management of conditions like hypertension and diabetes is crucial.
• Nutrition: Ensuring adequate maternal nutrition can support fetal growth.

Related pages

• Preterm birth
• Neonatal intensive care unit
• Intrauterine growth restriction
• Infant mortality

A premature infant receiving ventilator support