Low Birth Weight (LBW)
World Health Organization has defined low birth weight as the one whose weight is less than 2500 gm irrespective of the gestational age. Very low birth weight infants weigh 1500 gm or less and extremely low birth weight infant weighs 1000 gm or less. Low birth weight is sub classified into 2 groups: 1. preterm 2. Small for gestational age. Preterm Baby: A Baby born before 37 weeks of gestation calculating from the first day of the last menstrual period is defined as preterm baby. Causes: 1. Maternal factors: - Medical disease during pregnancy such as heart disease, anaemia, malnutrition, hypertension, renal disease etc. - Complication of pregnancy which compel for premature delivery eg APH. - Incompetence of cervix. - Physical exertion. - Maternal infection as hyperpyrexia, trauma. - Heavy smoking and drug addiction. 2. Fetal factor: - Multiple pregnancy. - IUGR - Congenital malformation. - Rh incompatibility 3. Medica...