Low Birth Weight (LBW)

What Is Low Birth Weight?

A baby is considered to have low birth weight (LBW) when they are born weighing less than 2,500 grams (5 pounds, 8 ounces)—regardless of gestational age. Babies with low birth weight may be born too early (preterm), too small for their age (growth-restricted), or both.

Low birth weight is a serious public health concern worldwide and can lead to health complications if not properly managed. However, with appropriate medical care and support, most LBW babies can grow and thrive.

Types of Low Birth Weight

Low Birth Weight (LBW): Less than 2.5 kg
Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW): Less than 1.5 kg
Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW): Less than 1 kg

Causes of Low Birth Weight

Low birth weight can result from:

Preterm Birth (Before 37 Weeks of Pregnancy)

The baby hasn’t had enough time to grow fully in the womb.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)

The baby does not grow at the expected rate during pregnancy due to underlying issues.

Common Contributing Factors:

Poor maternal nutrition
Infections during pregnancy (e.g., TORCH, malaria)
High blood pressure or preeclampsia
Diabetes or anemia in the mother
Smoking, alcohol, or substance use
Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets)
Placental problems
Teenage pregnancy or advanced maternal age
Low socioeconomic status
Short intervals between pregnancies

Risks and Complications

Babies born with low birth weight are at increased risk of:

Breathing problems (e.g., Respiratory Distress Syndrome)
Feeding difficulties and poor weight gain
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Temperature instability (hypothermia)
Infections due to weaker immunity
Jaundice
Neurological complications (e.g., brain bleeding in preterm infants)
Long-term issues: Developmental delays, vision or hearing problems, chronic diseases later in life

Diagnosis and Monitoring

At Birth:

Baby is weighed immediately
Gestational age is assessed
NICU evaluation (for VLBW or unstable babies)

During Stay:

Monitoring of temperature, oxygen levels, glucose, feeding, and weight
Screening for infections, anemia, and jaundice
Neurodevelopmental assessments in high-risk infants

Management and Care

Care depends on the baby's weight, gestational age, and overall health.

1. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Support

VLBW and ELBW babies are managed in NICUs
Use of incubators or radiant warmers
Oxygen or CPAP support if needed
IV fluids or nutrition if feeding is difficult

2. Feeding and Nutrition

Breast milk is ideal and boosts immunity
Expressed milk, fortified feeds, or formula if required
Tube feeding may be used until the baby can suck and swallow effectively

3. Temperature and Infection Control

Maintaining warmth (Kangaroo Mother Care or incubators)
Strict hygiene and handwashing to prevent infections
Early treatment of any signs of sepsis or complications

4. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)

Skin-to-skin contact between the mother (or father) and baby
Encourages bonding, improves thermoregulation, and supports weight gain

5. Immunizations and Follow-Up

Timely vaccinations
Regular pediatric check-ups for growth, milestones, and nutrition
Developmental screening in the first 2 years of life

Prevention

Antenatal care: Early and regular pregnancy check-ups
Nutrition: Balanced maternal diet with supplements (iron, folic acid)
Avoid harmful substances: No smoking, alcohol, or drugs
Infection prevention: Treat infections promptly during pregnancy
Manage maternal conditions: Control high blood pressure, diabetes, and anemia
Birth spacing: Adequate gap between pregnancies

Why Choose Aster Hospitals for Newborn and Maternal Care?

Aster Hospitals provides comprehensive, specialized care for low birth weight and preterm babies through our fully equipped Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). Our expert team of neonatologists, NICU nurses, and lactation consultants offers 24/7 monitoring and advanced life-support technology to care for even the most critical newborns. We support practices like Kangaroo Mother Care and breastfeeding to enhance bonding and recovery, along with maternal counseling and education for postnatal care at home. Our long-term developmental follow-up and early intervention programs ensure that your baby receives the support they need to thrive. At Aster, we are committed to giving every baby the strongest possible start—no matter how small they begin.