LOW BIRTH WEIGHT

Low Birth weight is the term used to describe babies born weighing less than 2,500g or 2.5kilograms. These babies look much smaller than babies born with normal weight.

Categories of Low Birth Weight

• Low Birth Weight - Baby weighs less than 2,500g.

• Very Low Birth Weight- Baby weighs less than 1500g.

• Extremely Low Birth Weight - Baby weighs less than 1000g.

Causes of Low Birth Weight

• Premature Birth

• Intrauterine Growth Restriction

• Multiple births

• Preeclampsia

• Poor pregnancy nutrition

• Drug/ substance abuse by mother

• Pregnancy complications

Consequences of Low Birth Weight in Infants

• Low oxygen levels

• Inability to maintain body temperature

• Difficulty feeding and gaining weight

• Infections

• Breathing problems

• Neurologic problems such as Interventricular haemorrhage

• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Care for Low Birth Weight Babies

• Care in the NICU

• Temperature-controlled beds

• Special feedings, sometimes with a tube into the stomach if a baby cannot suck, or through an intravenous (IV) line

Prevention of Low Birth Weight

• Appropriate prenatal care i.e prenatal visits, and proper maternal nutrition.

• Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and illicit drugs.