Low Birth Weight

Low birth weight is a term used to describe babies who are born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (2,500 grams). Babies weighing less than 3 pounds, 5 ounces (1,500 grams) at birth are considered very low birth weight. Low birth weight is most often caused by premature birth. An average newborn usually weighs about 8 pounds. A low-birth-weight baby may be healthy even though he or she is small. But a low-birth-weight baby can also have many serious health problems. Low birth weight is most often caused by being born too early (premature birth). That means before 37 weeks of pregnancy. A premature baby has less time in the mother’s womb (uterus) to grow and gain weight. Much of a baby’s weight is gained during the last weeks of pregnancy. Another cause of low birth weight is a condition called intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). This occurs when a baby does not grow well during pregnancy. It may be because of problems with the placenta, the mother’s health, or the baby’s health. Babies can have IUGR and be: Full term: That means born from 37 to 41 weeks of pregnancy. These babies may be physically mature, but small. Premature: These babies are both very small and physically immature.

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