LOW BIRTH WEIGHT OF BORN BABIES
LOW BIRTH WEIGHT The birth weight of babies born to well nourished mothers is usually about 3.5 kg. But the average birth weight of Indian babies is 2.7 to 2.9 kg. It’s very important to record the weight of the baby within one hour of birth. It determines the growth and chances of survival of the baby. The low birth weight internationally has been defined as a birth weight of less than 2.5 kg (up to and including 2.499 kg) the measurement being taken preferably within the first hour of life, before significant post-natal loss has occurred. The baby may be born full term or pre term. There are two types of low birth weight babies. Pre- term babies - Those babies who are born prematurely or before time i.e. 37 weeks of gestation. Their intrauterine growth may be normal i.e. their weight, length and development may be within normal and development within 2 to 3 years of age with proper care during neonatal period and care thereafter. In developed countries, most of the l...