Low birth weight and its treatment
In this section, you will learn about how to classify and manage the problems associated with prematurity (preterm, born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) and low birth weight (a child who did not grow well enough in the uterus during pregnancy). Low birth weight babies are most likely to have to breathe, feeding medical and developmental problems, and they are susceptible to infection and die than babies with a birth weight of 2,500 grams or more. As a health extension worker, you assess and classify and give advice to the mother and refer the infant urgently to the hospital or health centre.
What is birth weight?:
Birth weight is the expected child weight at birth. Birth weight of a newborn can be the following:
- Normal birth weight: 2,500 - 4,500 grams.
- Low birth weight: 1,500 - 2,500 grams.
- Very low birth weight: < 1,500 grams.
Assess and classify birth weight and gestational age within seven days of life.
Ask and look:
- Ask the gestational age.
- Ask for the birth weight.
- Weigh the baby (within 7 days of life).
Assess and classify birth weight and gestational age (within 7 days of life)
Signs | Classify | Treatment |
---|---|---|
Weight < 1500 grams or gestational age < 32 weeks. | VERY PRETERM AND/OR VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT |
|
Weight 1500 to < 2500 grams OR gestational age 32 < 37weeks | PRETERM AND/OR LOW BIRTH WEIGHT |
|
Weight ≥ 2500 grams AND gestational age ≥ 37 weeks | TERM AND NORMAL WEIGHT |
|
Last modified: Tuesday, 21 February 2017, 4:48 PM