What are the causes of low birth weight in babies? How can expecting mothers prevent low birth weight in babies? How to take care of a baby with a low birth weight? Suhasi Dhami replied. Low birth weight babies are those who are born with a weight below 2.5 kg. A low birth weight baby needs much care and attention as they are at a risk of developing various health problems. Breastfeeding often promotes the adequate growth of low birth weight babies. Ensure that your bay is warm as they are susceptible to hypothermia. They are at higher risk of catching respiratory tract infections so keep visitors away from them in initial few months. Paras Mantri replied. Low birth weight babies can be prevented. Preventing preterm births is best way to prevent babies born with low birthweight. another aspect is good prenatal care for preventing preterm births and low birthweight babies. The health of both mother and fetus can be checked during prenatal visits.Maternal nutrition and weight gain are linked with fetal weight gain and birthweight,so mothers should have a healthy diet and also ensure adequate weight gain during pregnancy. Alcohol, cigarettes and illicit drugs, which contribute to poor fetal growth should be completely avoided.
Monalisa replied. One of the common causes of low birth weight babies is premature births. intrauterine growth restriction is also one of the major causes. Other common causes include age of the mother ie young mothers are more at risk, multiple births, mother with poor prenatal health, poor nutrition, and complications in pregnancy, as also African-American babies are low birth weight.