A majority of women go through a smooth pregnancy and delivery. However, a small percentage of women have difficult, or high-risk pregnancies that could lead to complications for the mother and baby. There could be several reasons to categorize a pregnancy as high-risk. Premature birth and also low birth weight in newborns are two reasons why pregnancies become critical and require special attention.
So, what do we understand from premature birth and low birth weight in babies and how are the two high-risk pregnancies different?
A premature birth happens when a baby is born before reaching the 37th week of pregnancy. Most premature births result in low birth weights but all low birth weight newborns need not be premature.
Babies weighing less than 2.5 kilograms, or 5.5 pounds, are classified as having a low birth weight. Low birth weight babies need not be premature and may even complete the full term of 40 weeks.
Premature babies are at risk of developing complications after birth. For example, the organs and systems in premature babies are not fully developed or mature. Therefore these babies may suffer from problems such as respiratory issues, digestive problems, or other developmental issues.
Today, premature babies have a high chance of survival. Developments in medical technology and top-notch neonatal care can prevent infant mortality. Also, the top mother and child care hospitals offer Neonatal Intensive care for the specialized care of premature babies.
As mentioned earlier, premature babies are almost always underweight. However, some babies may be full term but also weigh below 2.5 kgs.
There are generally three categories of low birth weight babies:
Mild low birth weight 1500gm> 2500gm
Very low birth weight 1000gm> 1500gm
Extremely low birth weight <1000gm
Neonatal care is highly recommended for low birth weight newborns. Underweight and premature babies have difficulty regulating their body temperature and require special equipment like incubators to keep them in ideal temperatures till their systems mature and they gain a few grams.
Also, low birth weight newborns are at a high risk of contracting infections. That is why it is important to choose the best mother and child care hospital to ensure the best care for your newborn.
Several reasons and factors lead to premature births and low birth weights in newborns.
So, let’s take a look at these reasons:
One of the reasons why your baby could be premature or with a low birth weight is because of a condition called pre-eclampsia. It is characterized by high blood pressure or signs of improper functioning of organs. In severe conditions of pre-eclampsia, your doctor may also recommend early delivery even before the due date.
Another reason for low birth weight in newborns is the infection of the placenta or any other infections.
Multiple births could also be another reason for low birth weight in newborns.
Chromosomal defects or inherited diseases can cause premature births.
Other reasons cause premature or low birth weight in newborns including
Premature babies and low birth weight babies need specialized care. It is advisable to consider the best mother and child care hospital in Bangalore like Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Center for your pregnancy and childbirth. At Kinder Women’s Hospital, we have a team of the best neonatologists in Bangalore offering their expertise and years of experience to provide special care for your newborn.
Our state-of-the-art facilities and level III NICU make us one of the most preferred hospitals for critical child care in Bangalore. Kinder Women’s Hospital boasts the best facilities for pregnancy, delivery, and child care. Our top gynecologists, fetal medicine specialists, and the also best neonatologists in Bangalore offer the best neonatal care in the city.
Visit Kinder Women’s Hospital for the best neonatal care in Bangalore.
