Why are some babies born with low birth weight?
What causes low birthweight? The primary cause is premature birth, being born before 37 weeks gestation; a baby born early has less time in the mother’s uterus to grow and gain weight, and much of a fetus’ weight is gained during the latter part of the mother’s pregnancy.
Can underweight babies catch up?
If there are no other complications, low birth weight babies usually ‘catch up’ in their physical growth. In later life, however, people who were born smaller than average are more likely to develop diabetes, obesity, heart problems and high blood pressure.
What is the lowest weight a baby can survive?
Babies who weigh less than 1 pound, 1.5 ounces (500 grams) have the most problems and are much less likely to survive.
What are the contributing factors to low birth weight?
Previous pregnancy resulted in a low birth baby or premature birth
What are the risks associated with low birth weight?
In some cases, babies born prematurely or with intrauterine growth restrictions (two leading causes of low birth weight – see below) may see an increase in risks for complications such as mental retardation, vision loss, and/or learning problems. Currently, about one in twelve babies are born with a low birth weight.
What are the effects of low birth weight?
Mental Health And Poverty. Living off such conditions can negatively affect individuals not only physically,but also cognitively,socially,and emotionally.
What causes low fetal weight?
Another cause of low birthweight is intrauterine growth restriction. This occurs when a baby does not grow well in utero because of problems with the placenta, the mother’s health or birth defects.