Low birth weight (LBW)

Low birth weight

Although various factors during pregnancy can contribute to the risk of a small baby with low birth weight, many times, the cause is completely out of your control and most infants will put on pounds at their own pace to survive and thrive. While low birth weight in babies may lead to certain health complications and possibly a NICU stay, advances in neonatal medical care over the years is very encouraging, and many small babies go on to lead healthy, normal lives. 

IN THIS ARTICLE

What does low birth weight mean?

Low birth weight in a baby, which affects about 1 in 12 newborns in this country, means that a child weighs less than the usual amount at the moment of delivery. And within the category of low birth weight are various measurements assigned to an infant at birth. In general, babies arrive at a range of weights, usually between 5 pounds, 8 ounces and 8 pounds, 13 ounces.

  • Normal birth weight: Between 5 pounds, 8 ounces and 8 pounds, 13 ounces
  • Low birth weight: Less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces
  • Very low birth weight: Less than 3 pounds, 4 ounces

What causes a baby to have low birth weight?

One of the main causes of low birth weight in babies is a premature delivery, which means the infant was born before 37 weeks of gestation. When infants arrive this early, there’s less time spent gaining weight and growing in the womb. And very low birth weight babies are born even sooner than those of low birth weight, often before 30 weeks of pregnancy has elapsed.

Another cause of low birth weight in babies is a condition known as fetal growth restriction or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). This outcome means an infant wasn’t able to grow well in the womb, either because of a complication with the placenta, the mother’s health or a possible birth defect. Genetics can also impact weight as some small infants have small parents.

Other babies may have stopped growing or experienced slow growth during pregnancy. And low birth weight can also occur if the mother is having multiples (more than half of multiple births result in low weight while just six percent of single babies weigh less than normal).

What are the risk factors for a low birth weight baby?

There are a number of risk factors that can contribute to low birth weight or a very low birth weight baby, including the following:

  • Early labor. Preterm labor, before 37 weeks of pregnancy, may result in low weight.
  • Chronic illness and medications. Low birth weight is a risk if the mother has high blood pressure, diabetes, or a heart or lung condition or if she’s takes medications for these issues (or for epilepsy or blood clots).
  • Age. Very young mothers (under 15) and those over 35 also have an increased risk.
  • Drug and alcohol use. Smoking, drinking and illegal drug use as well as a lack of prenatal care, low weight gain and poor nutrition may also be factors.
  • A prior low-birth-weight baby. Having had a small baby before can up the risk.
  • Infections and pollution. Slowed growth and low birth weight may occur due to rubella, chicken pox and certain STIs as well as air pollution and exposure to lead.
  • Abuse. Domestic violence, physical, sexual or emotional abuse can affect a mother’s health and her baby’s growth in the womb.
  • Discrimination. Racial inequities can play a role in the quality of a mother’s care. African-American babies, for example, are twice as likely to be born at a low birthweight as white infants.

Does low birth weight affect development?

While strides in medicine have allowed even the lowest of birth weight babies to survive and thrive, the fact that they are so small and that many have been born prematurely can affect their physical and mental development. Fortunately, most small babies grow normally, but this infant category also experiences an increased risk of illnesses and neurodevelopmental delays.

The worst delays occur in the tiniest of babies, but many infants with low birth weight will have only mild issues with attention, learning and brain function. Keep in mind, however, that every baby is an individual, which means that not all small babies will grow and develop the same. 

What complications can arise for a low birth weight baby?

There are a number of complications that can arise in a low birth weight baby, such as:

  • Breathing trouble. Infant respiratory distress syndrome is caused by immature lungs.
  • Brain bleeding. This seems scary, but most bleeding in the brain is mild and eases on its own. More serious cases cause fluid to develop in the brain which needs draining.
  • Heart vessel damage. Also known as patent ductus arteriosus, this is a persistent opening between two blood vessels near the heart. It may close up without intervention or require surgery.
  • Difficulty feeding. Small babies have trouble feeding (due to a weak suckle), gaining weight and keeping their body temperature stable.
  • GI issues. Low birth weight babies may also develop an intestinal disease called necrotizing enterocolitis.
  • Eye disease. When a baby’s retinas don’t fully develop, it can lead to an eye disease known as retinopathy of prematurity.
  • Infection. In a too-small baby, the immune system isn’t strong enough to fight infections.
  • Jaundice. This yellowing of the eyes and skin is due to too much bilirubin in the blood.
  • SIDS. The risk of sudden infant death syndrome or the unexplained death of an infant less than a year old, usually while sleeping, is greater for those of low birth weight.

Will my baby need to go to the NICU if they have low birth weight?

Depending on your baby’s condition, including their weight, age and other health issues, a stay in the NICU or neonatal intensive care unit may be necessary. In this special place, your baby will rest in an incubator or temperature-controlled bed that’s designed to keep them warm and cozy. A low or very low birth weight baby may need to be fitted with a ventilator to help with breathing. They may receive nutrition through a feeding tube in the stomach or intravenous line.

Are there any ways to prevent low birth weight during pregnancy?

The most important thing to remember about having a baby with low birth weight is that many times, it’s impossible to prevent. However, the best way to keep you and your baby healthy during pregnancy is to get consistent prenatal care. At these medical appointments, a doctor will check your health and wellness and chart the weight you and your baby on board are gaining. It’s important to follow a healthy diet during pregnancy and to avoid smoking, drinking and taking drugs as these can all contribute to low birth weight as well as other infant health problems.

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