Causes of Low Birth Weight in Babies

Low birth weight in infants is defined as a birth weight of less than 2.5 kilograms. It is known that six out of every hundred babies born in the UK are born with low birth weight, and low birth weight is usually encountered at preterm birth (premature). In some cases, the small uterus of the expectant mother can lead to the birth of a low-birth-weight baby. Ultrasound scans give an idea about whether the baby is low-birth-weight. Although the baby is less than ideal weight or the baby is born weak, it is useful to know that health problems do not always occur in all babies born with low birth weight. There are many reasons why a baby may be born underweight. Some of the causes of low birth weight in babies are;

Causes of Low Birth Weight in Babies

Experts state that there are many reasons why babies are born with a low birth weight. In some cases, it is stated that babies are born completely due to genetic reasons. It is stated that low birth weight can be seen in the babies of short stature and weak genetics parents. Apart from this, the following are the main reasons for the baby to be born with low birth weight.

• Premature Birth ; not having enough time to grow because the baby was born before the 40th week.
• Multiple pregnancy; more than one baby not finding enough room to grow if the pregnancy has occurred with twins or more.
• Genetic Reflections ; the reflection of the genetic structures of the parents on the baby.
• Low Blood Flow in Placenta ; the condition of experiencing conditions in the placenta that reduce the blood flow of the baby. (The baby's growth is slowed because not enough oxygen and nutrients are reaching the baby.)
• High Blood Pressure ; High blood pressure in the expectant mother during pregnancy can cause low birth weight.
• Health Problems in the 9 Month Period; It is known that the expectant mother's health problems or emotional problems (pregnancy depression) during her pregnancy can slow down the development of the baby.

Get Help for Babies Born with Low Birth Weight

It is stated that parents whose babies are born with low birth weight should definitely seek medical help. Premature babies born with low birth weight; Babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy are called premature babies, that is, preterm babies. Premature babies are kept under additional surveillance for a few days after their birth. Babies born prematurely are in good condition, although they have little or no health problems. Babies born around 1500 grams are said to have a higher risk of experiencing different health problems during birth.

Two Main Causes of Low Birth Weight

Experts who state that low birth weight is an undesirable situation in babies state that there are two main reasons for low birth weight. One of them; While it is stated that the other is premature birth and intrauterine growth retardation, lifestyle or genetic factors during the pregnancy of the expectant mother are shown as the underlying reasons for the baby to be born with low birth weight.

Grouping of Low Birth Weight in Infants

• Low Birth Weight (LBW): The baby is less than 2500 grams at birth,
• Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW): The baby is less than 1500 grams at birth,
• Severely Low Birth Weight (ELBW): 1000 g of the baby at birth. less than.

Other Possible Reasons Why Babies Are Born With Low Birth Weight

• Generally, those who become pregnant under the age of 17 have a higher risk of low birth weight. (adolescent - early pregnancy)
• smoking during pregnancy,
• Insufficient weight gain during pregnancy,
• Diabetes (diabetes),
• infections during pregnancy,
• Drinking alcohol while pregnant
• Cervical abnormalities,
• high blood pressure,
• chronic disease during pregnancy,
• Uterine abnormalities,
• twins or triplets in the fetus,
• Premature birth in a previous pregnancy.

What Should the Ideal Birth Weight of Babies Be?

Experts indicate that healthy babies can be of various weights when they are born. It means that babies with a birth weight below 2.4 kg are not fed enough during pregnancy or the growth of the baby in the mother's womb is somehow inhibited. However, attention is drawn to the fact that a 3 kg baby can be as healthy and strong as a 4 kg baby.

Recommendations for Mothers Born with Low Birth Weight

Babies born with low birth weight should be breastfed a lot in the postnatal period. If you do not have milk, it is recommended to try every method to increase it. As the reason for this, it is shown that only breast milk provides the healthy growth of babies born weak. However, it is recommended to monitor your baby's development carefully, without interrupting the routine doctor's check-ups, as well as to monitor his/her monthly weight.