Low birth weight means the baby is born with a birth weight less than the normal weight. Low birth weight categories vary widely. But generally babies are called born with a normal weight of 2.5 kg to 4 kg. It is called low birth weight if it is less than 2.5 kg. Very low birth weight if less than 1.5 kg.
Reason
– Born prematurely, or born prematurely or before 37 weeks. At this age the fetus does not have enough time to gain weight in the womb. Babies with very low birth weight are usually born before the age of 30 weeks.
– Intrauterine growth restriction, namely the fetus cannot grow properly in the uterus either due to complications of the placenta, maternal health or possible fetal defects.
– Genetics. Some little babies have small parents.
– Fetal growth slows down while in the womb.
– Pregnant with twins. More than half of twin births result in low birth weight.
risk factors
– Born prematurely.
– Chronic disease and treatment. For example, mothers with hypertension, diabetes, heart and lung disorders or pregnant women are undergoing treatment for epilepsy or blood clots.
– Maternal age at pregnancy. Less than 15 years or over 35 years.
– Have given birth to a baby with low birth weight before.
Its influence on development
Advances in medicine have made it possible for babies with the lowest birth weights to survive and thrive. The fact that they are very small and born prematurely can affect their physical and mental development. Most small babies can grow normally, but the low birth weight category also has an increased risk of disease and neurodevelopmental delay.
Can be prevented with routine prenatal checkups.
1. Beginning with an ultrasound examination to determine the weight and length of the fetus. If the ultrasound results show that the baby is small or, on the other hand, larger than normal, the cause of the disorder is sought. The causes of stunted fetal growth are multifactorial, such as the mother who has health problems – for example malnutrition – the fetus does not receive food; or the size of the placenta that is too thin or experiencing calcification so that it inhibits the intake of nutrients from the mother to the fetus.
If left unchecked, the fetus will be born with low weight (LBW). The factors that affect large babies, or giant babies, are generally obesity and overweight genetic factors in the father or mother; the mother has a history of giving birth to a large baby before; mother suffers from diabetes mellitus (DM); and the effect of maternal nutritional adequacy.
2. The doctor will help arrange further treatment after the diagnosis is established. For example, in cases of LBW caused by maternal disease, the underlying disease will be treated first.
If it is caused by a lack of nutritional intake, then the regulation of food intake is carried out, for example, the mother is recommended to consume more carbohydrates. Likewise, in handling large babies, if it is related to maternal DM, the DM should be treated first along with food arrangements (IR).
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