A healthy pregnant woman equals healthy baby, this means if a pregnant woman should take care of herself during pregnancy in terms of diet, exercise and taking nutritional supplements the baby will come out healthy with normal birth weight and no congenital problem. What are the factors that cause a low birth weight in pregnancy?

Low Birth Weight in Pregnancy

First, what is a low birth weight actually? A low birth weight is defined as having a weight of less than 2,5oo grams. It is also described as small for gestational age and intrauterine growth restriction. One of the causes of low birth weight are placental problem like pre-eclampsia which reduces blood flow to the baby, so, if there is less blood distribution to the baby then the baby is getting less nutrients and oxygen which then lead to growth restriction.

Having a twin or multiple fetuses may also cause low birth weight because they don’t have as much larger room to grow. Some other causes are pertains to medical and emotional problems such as infection, low caloric intake, chronic illness such as diabetes, heart, kidney and lung problem, stressful life including financial problem, taking illegal drugs, drinking alcohol and smoking all these contribute in slowing down the growth of a baby.

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