Welcome to our comprehensive guide on low birth weight babies. In this informative video, we delve into the complexities surrounding infants born with low birth weight, offering insights into the causes, risks, and crucial care considerations for these vulnerable newborns. Low birth weight, defined as weighing less than 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms) at birth, can stem from various factors including premature birth or intrauterine growth restriction. We explore these factors in detail, shedding light on how they impact fetal development and contribute to low birth weight. Furthermore, we discuss the significant risks associated with low birth weight, such as respiratory distress syndrome, developmental delays, and increased susceptibility to infections. Understanding these risks is paramount for parents and caregivers to provide the necessary support and interventions for their baby's well-being. Additionally, we provide valuable guidance on caring for a low birth weight baby, including specialized medical care, proper nutrition, and fostering a nurturing environment conducive to optimal growth and development. Join us as we navigate through the intricacies of low birth weight babies, empowering viewers with knowledge to better advocate for the health and welfare of these precious little ones. Subscribe to our channel for more insightful content on infant health and parenting. Together, let's ensure every baby receives the care and attention they need for a bright and healthy future.

1. Welcome to my study room
Today’s Discussion Topic
“Low Birth Weight”

2. Definition
According to WHO, a low birth weight
baby is one with a birth weight of less
than 2500 gm within the 1st hour of
life, before significant postnatal
weight loss has occurred.

3. Cont.…
Low birth weight < 2500gm
Very low birth weight < 1500gm
Extremely low birth weigh <1000 gm

4. Cont.…
There are two main overlapping categories:
The gestationally premature (or preterm)
born before term
Underweight full term baby
Small for dates
Combination can occur

5. Premature Babies(37 weeks)
 These babies are born too early, before 37
weeks of gestation.
 Their intrauterine growth may be normal.
 Their weight, length and development may
be within normal limits for the duration of
gestation.
 Given a good neonatal care, these babies
can catch up growth & by 2 or 3 years of age

6. Small for date
 These may be born at term or preterm
 They weigh less than 10th percentile for the
gestational age.
 It is clearly the result of retarded intrauterine
fetal growth.

7. Incidence of LBW
WHO estimates that globally about 25
million low birth weight babies are born
each year, consisting 17% of all births,
nearly 95% of them in developing
countries.

8. Causes of low birth weight
Maternal:
 Malnutrition
 Severe anemia
 Heavy physical work
during pregnancy
 Hypertension
 Malaria
 Toxemia-Pet, Eclampsia
 Short stature
 Smoking
 Very young age
 Close birth spacing
 High parity
 Low economic status
 Low educational status
 Infection-Acute & chronic
such as UTI, RTI/STI
 Drugs- narcotics

9. Causes of low birth weight
Fetal cause:
 Fetal abnormalities
 Intrauterine infections
 Chromosomal
abnormality
 Multiple gestation
Obstetric cause:
 Placental insufficiency
 Placental abnormality
 Hydramnios
 Premature rupture of
membrane

10. Leading cause of death in LBW
 Malformation
 Pulmonary hemorrhage
 Intracranial bleeding, secondary to anoxia or
birth trauma
 Pneumonia & other infections

11. Factors responsible for LBW
 Repeated pregnancy
 Adolescent pregnancy
 Heavy physical labor
 Smoking
 Poor sanitation
 Low socio-economic condition
 Low educational status
 Maternal malnutrition
 Infection

12. Public health importance of LBW
 Low birth is one of the most serious challenges in
maternal and child health in both developed and
developing countries.
 Public health significance due to:
 It’s high incidence associated with mental retardation
 High risk of perinatal, infant mortality and morbidity.
 Human wastage and suffering
 Very high cost of special care and intensive care
 LBW is the single most important factor for
determining the survival chances of the child.

13. Consequence of LBW
Morbidity:
Immediate-
 Intrauterine hypoxia
 Respiratory difficulties, birth asphyxia and me conium aspiration
 Feeding difficulties- Unable to suck or swallow
 Hypoglycemia
 Hypothermia
 Hyperbilirubinemia
 Susceptible to infection
 Hemorrhage- intraventicular

14. Consequence of LBW
Late-
 Deafness
 Blindness
 Hearing disabilities
 Chronic lung disease
 Mental retardation
 Mortality: mortality is 20 times higher than
normal

15. Preventive measures
 Direct intervention measures:
 Supplementary feeding program
 Distribution of iron and folic acid tablets
 Controlling infections-malaria, rubella and
syphilitic infection
 Early detection
 & treatment of medical disorders such as-
hypertension, diabetes and toxemias.
 Indirect Intervention measures

16. Cont.…
Family planning-
 Can help to reduce the problem by influencing
the mothers age at pregnancy, parity and
spacing the births
 Prenatal advice- Avoiding of heavy workload
during pregnancy, avoiding smoking,
improving health and nutrition and availability
of health & social services.