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A low birth weight baby is defined as an infant being born at or below 5.5 pounds (2,500 grams). Babies weighing less than 5.5 pounds at birth are more likely to experience both physical and developmental problems than babies weighing more than 5.5 pounds at birth. Low birth weight babies may experience long-term physical problems such as an increased risk of adult-onset diabetes and coronary heart disease. Developmental delays and other problems causing the child to be placed in special education courses may also occur. Babies weighing less than 3.3 pounds are at highest risk for developing problems. Factors that have been contributed to an increased risk of delivering a low birth weight baby include poor prenatal habits, particularly if tobacco or alcohol is used during the pregnancy, low maternal weight gain, low maternal weight prior to pregnancy, and multiple births. African-American women, teenage mothers, and mothers living in poverty are at a greater risk for experiencing low weight births. Despite being a small fraction of all births, low weight infants account for more than one-third of all dollars spent on health care services for infants. |
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