Low Birth Weight Essay -- Medicine Medical Pregnancy Essays

Low Birth Weight Low birth weight (LBW) is a term used to describe infants that are born under 2, 500 grams, or less than five pounds eight ounces. This is a disorder that plagues certain races, age groups, and the poor. Seven percent of all infants who are born in the United States are born too small and eleven percent are born too soon ( Behrman). There are many risk factors that put a mother at risk of having a low birth weight baby, as there are many complications early and later in life for the child. There are certain women who are more likely to have a child who is born extremely under weight. These influences can be ethnic, environmental, and genetic. Recent studies have shown that thirty to forty percent of low birth weight children are born into African American families. In fact, black women are two times more likely than are white women to have low birth weight babies. If a woman does not gain very much weight during her pregnancy, then she is more likely to have a child with LBW. A small or petite woman is also more likely to produce very small children. The first born child in a family is also more at risk. Women who have had previous low birth weight children, low birth weight themselves, and or genetic disorders are all at higher risk of low birth weight (Behrman). Female babies are more likely than boys to be smaller at birth. Children who are born premature, or before thirty-seven weeks are more likely to have LBW. If a woman's placenta is irregular, then that could also inhibit the growth of the child. This is because of feeding difficulty while in the womb (Campbell). The age of the expectant mother is another deciding factor about whether the child will be of LBW... ...nitoring stress women can greatly reduce their chances of having children who suffer such great obstacles. Prenatal care is also very important. This small segment of our population deserves a fighting chance. Works Cited: Behrman, Richard E, and Patricia Shiono. "Low Birth Weight: Analysis and Recommendations." Online. Internet.25 Sept. 1998. (www.futureofchildren.org) Campbell, Dr. Neil. "Low Birth Weight Babies: Facts Sheets for Health Professionals." Online. Internet. 26 Sept. 1998. (http://hna.ffh.vic.gov.au). "Low Birth Weight At a Glance." Children and Family Canada. Online. Internet. 25 Sept. 1998. (www.cfc-efc.ca). "Low Birth Weight Babies..." Baby World. Online. Internet. 25 Sept. 1998. (www.babyworld.com). Zaichkin, Jeanette RNC, MN. Newborn Intensive Care: What Every Parent Needs to Know. Petaluma: NICU Ink, 1996.