Low Birth Weight Babies

There are a few reasons why babies are born at a weight that is considered to be low. The most obvious reason would be because they are born early, or prematurely, but there are other reasons why this can happen. Low birth weight babies need special attention when they are born. This can be quite a trying time for parents. There are some things you can do to avoid having a baby that is too small, but sometimes it just happens. Take care of yourself to avoid this problem as best as you can.

Some low birth weight babies are the result of moms that smoke during pregnancy. Most moms who smoke will cut down and then quit quickly when they find out they are pregnant, but not all women understand how dangerous smoking while pregnant can be. Some actually think smoking will make the baby small so the birth will not hurt as much. This is bad thinking that can lead to serious health problems for the baby. These women often do not understand the other ramifications of smoking while pregnant. This is why may doctors monitor any pregnant woman for smoking.

Low birth weight babies happen when a woman gives birth too soon. This happens for some particular reasons, and sometimes, for no reason at all. Those that have had a premature baby once are high risk to have another, but no one can be sure that they are going to carry full term. Some medical conditions that come up during pregnancy like gestational diabetes, infection, pre eclempsia, and some conditions of the placenta can mean that a baby comes early and there is nothing anyone can do.

Premature and full term babies that are considered to be low birth weight babies are going to spend some time in the NICU. This Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is designed to help babies grow and mature until they can go home. Not all babies that are full term with a low birth weight will have to stay in a NICU, but they may if they have medical issues that preclude them from going home. Know that if a baby must stay there, it is in their best interest and is what is going to give them the best start in life. The NICU can be one of the most challenging experiences of your life, but also one of the most rewarding. Miracles happen there every single day.

There may be nothing you can do about having low birth weight babies. What you can do is to try to have the healthiest pregnancy that you can have. This means no smoking, eating right, and following any instructions that your doctor gives you. If you are in danger of giving birth early, and your doctor wants you on bed rest, do it. One or two more weeks can make a world of difference in low birth weight babies, their health, and the years that follow. Some preemies actually lose weight before they start to gain, which can be very dangerous for them. The bigger they can get before coming out, the better everything will be.