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Life of low birth weight babies: What health challenges do they face?
Low Birth Weight (LBW) refers to babies whose birth weight is less than 2,499 grams as defined by WHO. These babies face increased health risks and often require close management in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Not only that, but they may also encounter challenges with long-term health conditions later in life that require ongoing follow-up and attention.
Classification of low birth weight
Low birth weight can be divided into the following categories:
- High birth weight (giant baby): more than 4,200 grams
- Normal weight: 2,500~4,200 grams
- Low birth weight: less than 2,500 grams
- Very low birth weight (VLBW): less than 1,500 grams
- Very low birth weight: less than 1,000 grams
Causes of low birth weight
There are two main causes of low birth weight. One is premature birth, which means the fetus is born before 37 weeks; the other is small gestational age, which means the weight at birth is lower than that of its peers. Maternal risk factors for this condition include young age, twin or multiple gestation, past births of LBW babies, malnutrition, heart disease, untreated celiac disease, and substance abuse. In addition, environmental factors such as smoking, heavy metal exposure, and air pollution also increase the risk of low birth weight.
The impact of prematurity on low birth weight
The mechanism of premature birth is very complex and may be related to a variety of factors, such as excessive expansion of the maternal uterus, inflammatory response in the uterus, etc. In addition, the main risk factor for preterm birth is past preterm birth, but there is no reliable program to screen for and prevent preterm birth.
The impact of environmental factors
Maternal tobacco smoking is one of the major environmental factors causing low birth weight. Through smoking, including the effects of involuntary smoking, research shows that these factors increase the risk of LBW by 11%. On the other hand, air pollution to which pregnant women are exposed, such as harmful substances released by solid fuels used for power generation, can also cause low birth weight.
Health management of low birth weight babies
In terms of medical management, low birth weight babies require attention to many aspects, such as temperature regulation, fluid and electrolyte balance, etc. Because their fat stores are low, they are more vulnerable to hypothermia. Therefore, measures such as the use of plastic packaging and heating pads must be taken to reduce the risk of hypothermia.
Long-term health challenges and prognosis
Low birth weight not only affects immediate health after birth, but may also have negative consequences for future health development. Many studies have linked low birth weight to limited cognitive development, chronic disease, and even an increased chance of early death.
Globally, the incidence of low birth weight is approximately 15%, according to the World Health Organization. However, in some developing countries the proportion may be higher.
How to improve the problem of low birth weight?
Can public health interventions reduce low birth weight and improve the health of future children?
