which of the following is a cause of low birth weight? course hero

What is low birth weight and how to prevent it?

Low birth weight is one of the prominent ‘new baby concern’ for most parents. Let us try to understand this phenomenon better. A baby whose birth weight is less than 2.5 kilograms is considered to have low birth weight. About 6% of all babies are estimated to be born with a low birth weight.

What age group has the most babies with low birth weight?

Babies born to younger and older mothers (mothers aged under 20 or 40 and over) were more likely to be of low birth weight (8.6% and 7.6% respectively). What are some risk factors for low birth weight?

Will low birth weight affect my child’s growth and development?

In many cases, low birth weight will have no impact on your child’s growth and development. This is especially true if the baby was born full-term with no other underlying medical problems. However, when the baby is born premature, or if the baby is born full-term but with some underlying medical problems,...

Can cervix abnormalities cause low birth weight?

Cervix abnormalities:If the mother has cervix abnormalities, it can also result in low birth weight. An incompetent cervix may spur a premature delivery and birth as it gets pressurized to open as the baby grows.

What is considered low birth weight?

What Is Considered As Low Birth Weight In Babies? A baby whose birth weight is less than 2.5 kilograms is considered to have low birth weight. About 6% of all babies are estimated to be born with a low birth weight. However, it is important to understand that not all low birth weight babies have some underlying medical condition or problem.

Why is my baby's weight low?

The following are the top 12 causes for low birth weight in children: Preterm birth: If your baby is born before completing 37 weeks inside you, then he will most likely be underweight. Multiple pregnancy: If you are having more than one baby, i.e. if you are having twins or triplets or more, then again individual weight of each ...

What happens if a mother has high blood pressure?

High blood pressure in mother: If mother has high BP, then the blood flow to the baby from the placenta is impacted, resulting in low birth weight. Substance abuse by mother: If mother smokes or uses illegal drugs or alcohol, it can restrict the baby’s growth and hence impact his weigh.

What happens if a mother has a cervix abnormality?

Cervix abnormalities: If the mother has cervix abnormalities, it can also result in low birth weight.

Why are babies born full term?

This because more babies stretch the uterus and compete for limited nutrients, putting extra strain on the mothers’ body, which can further cause certain deficiencies . Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR): These babies are born full-term but still are “small-for-gestational” age.

Why do babies need to be kept in the NICU?

Be patient: Your baby might be kept in NICU initially to help regulate baby’s body temperature. Be patient and positive during this period. If you are pregnant, and worried about low birth weight, there are quite a few things that you can do during pregnancy to reduce the risk of a low birth weight baby.

Why does a baby develop a symmetrical iugr?

Symmetrical IUGR: This is caused due to intrauterine infections, abnormalities in chromosomes and mother’s lifestyle (e.g. alcohol abuse). In this condition, the baby develops slowly throughout the pregnancy and is always below the ideal weight range.