What are the causes and implications of low birth weight in babies?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the phenomenon of low birth weight in infants, likely seeking to understand its causes, implications, or statistics associated with it.
Answer
Low birth weight is mainly caused by prematurity and intrauterine growth restriction, leading to increased health risks for the baby.
The main causes of low birth weight in babies include premature birth (before 37 weeks gestation) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). These conditions limit the time and ability for a fetus to gain sufficient weight. There are various implications of low birth weight, including increased risk for infections, developmental delays, and long-term health issues such as diabetes and heart disease.
Answer for screen readers
The main causes of low birth weight in babies include premature birth (before 37 weeks gestation) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). These conditions limit the time and ability for a fetus to gain sufficient weight. There are various implications of low birth weight, including increased risk for infections, developmental delays, and long-term health issues such as diabetes and heart disease.
More Information
Babies with low birth weight are at a higher risk of facing health complications both immediately after birth and later in life. These can include trouble feeding, difficulty maintaining body temperature, and a higher likelihood of chronic health conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Tips
Confusion often arises between the terms 'low birth weight' and 'premature birth'; not every low birth weight baby is premature, as intrauterine growth restriction can also cause low birth weight even in full-term infants.
Sources
- Low birthweight - Children's Hospital of Philadelphia - chop.edu
- Low Birth Weight | Cleveland Clinic - my.clevelandclinic.org
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