• A low birth weight can be caused either by a preterm birth (low gestational age at birth) or the infant being
• A very … See more

There are two genetic loci that have been strongly linked to birth weight, ADCY5 and CCNL1, and four that show some evidence (CDKAL1, HHEX–IDE, GCK, and TCF7L2). The heritability of birth weight ranges from 25 to 40%. … See more

Most babies admitted to the NICU are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy or have low birth weight which is less than 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg). They could also have a medical condition that requires special care. In the United Stat… See more

Children born with an abnormally low birth weight can have significant problems within the first few years of life. They may have trouble gaining weight, obtaining adequate nutrition, and developing a strong immune system. Th… See more

Studies have investigated how a person's birth weight can influence their future life, including potential links with obesity, diabetes and intelligence.
A baby born small or large for gestational age (either … See more

There is much variation regarding birth weight within continents, countries, and cities. Even though over 20 million babies are born each year with low birth weight, it is hard to know the exact number, as more than half of … See more

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced an initiative to have a thirty percent reduction in low birth weight worldwide. This is a public health priority, as birth weight can have short- and long-term effects… See more