What is considered low birth weight for a newborn?

Low birth weight (LBW) is defined as a birth weight of less than 2500 grams, which is approximately 5 pounds 8 ounces. This classification is important in maternal-newborn health because low birth weight can be an indicator of various health issues in newborns, including increased risk for complications and long-term developmental challenges.

Understanding the significance of birth weight is crucial for monitoring newborn health. Infants who are categorized as low birth weight may require additional medical care and monitoring right after birth, emphasizing the importance of timely recognition and intervention.

While birth weights lower than 1500 grams denote very low birth weight and weights under 1000 grams indicate extremely low birth weight, the specific threshold of 2500 grams is the general standard for low birth weight defined by organizations such as the World Health Organization. Recognizing this standard aids healthcare professionals in assessing and managing the health needs of newborns.