Infant weighing between 2500g to 4000g irrespective of gestational
age
LOW BIRTH WEIGHT (LBW)
Infant weighing less than 2500g irrespective of gestational
age
VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT
(VLBW)
Infant weighing less than 1500g irrespective of gestational age
EXTREMELY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT
(ELBW)
Infant weighing less than 1000g irrespective of
gestational age
FACTORS
PRIMARY FACTORS
PRETERM BIRTH
Born early (<37 weeks gestation, and often <30 weeks), less
time in the mother’s womb to gain weight. Much of the
weight is gained in the later stages of the pregnancy
INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RESTRICTION
(IUGR)
Problems with placenta, maternal health or birth
defects
MATERNAL FACTORS
MATERNAL WEIGHT & BMI
<45kg and underweight
MATERNAL AGE
<20yrs and >35yrs
EDUCATION
Lack of knowledge on prenatal care, proper diet during
pregnancy and effects of maternal behaviour on fetus
HISTORY OF LBW
Mothers with familial vertical history of LBW or
experienced of having LBW infant
SOSIOECONOMIC CONDITION
Deprived socioeconomic level such as unhygienic
environment and improper diet
SMOKING, ALCOHOL & DRUG ABUSE
Interrupt the baby’s growth in the womb and increase
the risk for premature birth and birth defects
PREGNANCY RISK
FACTORS
SUPPLEMENTATIONS
Percentage of LBW babies is higher in mothers who had
not taken iron-folic acid (IFA) supplements
MULTIPLE PREGNANCY
Multiple parity (twin or more) is associated with LBW
INTER-PREGNANCY INTERVAL
Interval less than 1 year cause mothers unable to recover from
the biological stresses from the previous pregnancy
MALNUTRITION
Proper nutrients are needed for fetus growth, malnourished
mothers increase risk of LBW infants
MATERNAL INFECTIONS
Chronic infections such as UTI, STI, malaria or kidney infection during
pregnancy result in direct intrauterine growth leading to LBW
CONSEQUENCES
SHORT TERM
LBW
VLBW & ELBW
LONG TERM
ELBW
VLBW
LBW
= Complications are markedly increased in VLBW, and especially ELBW,
infants.
The lower a baby's birthweight, the greater are
the risks for complications