Low birth weight (LBW) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as weight at birth less than 2500 g (5.5 lb). Low birth weight continues to be a significant public health problem globally and is associated with a range of both short- and long-term consequences.

HIV coinfection is the most important and potent risk factor for TB infection and disease.

While there seems to have been some increase in the number of low birthweight babies between 2000 and 2015 in regions including West and Central Africa and Eastern and Southern Africa, the only region to have experienced a statistically significant increase was Northern America (315,684 [310,373 – 320,996] in 2000 and …

Low birth weight rates are much higher in developing countries. Asia has the highest rate at 18.3% followed by Africa at 14.3%.

What causes low birthweight? The primary cause is premature birth, being born before 37 weeks gestation; a baby born early has less time in the mother’s uterus to grow and gain weight, and much of a fetus’s weight is gained during the latter part of the mother’s pregnancy.

The average birth weight for babies is around 3.5 kg (7.5 lb), although between 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) and 4.5 kg (10 lb) is considered normal.

“Babies born weighting between 1.5-2.4kg can usually be managed safely at home with some extra care and support but babies born with birth weight less than 1.5 kg require hospital-based care.

But thanks to medical advances, children born after twenty-eight weeks of pregnancy, and weighing more than 2 pounds 3 ounces (1 kg), have almost a full chance of survival; eight out of ten of those born after the thirtieth week have minimal long-term health or developmental problems, while those preterm babies born …

If your baby weighs 4.5kg or more at birth, they are considered larger than normal. This is also known as ‘fetal macrosomia’ and large for gestational age (LGA). (If they weigh less than 2.5kg, they may be considered smaller than normal.)

Baby weight chart by age

An average 1/2 to 1 kilogram per month for the first six months. An average of 1/2 kilograms per month from six months to one year.

Babies might only take in half ounce per feeding for the first day or two of life, but after that will usually drink 1 to 2 ounces at each feeding. This amount increases to 2 to 3 ounces by 2 weeks of age. At about 2 months of age, babies usually take 4 to 5 ounces per feeding every 3 to 4 hours.

Here’s a sample schedule for a 2-month-old:

• 7:30a – Wake and feed.
• 8:00a – Play!
• 9:00a – Nap #1.
• 10:30a – Wake and feed.
• 11:00a – Play!
• 12:30p – Nap #2.
• 2:00p – Wake and feed.
• 2:30p – Play! This is likely to be baby’s longest awake increment of the day, so get out of the house, get some fresh air, or run an errand.

Most younger infants are able to stand up with support and bear some weight on their legs between 2 and 4 1/2 months. This is an expected and safe developmental stage that will progress to pulling up independently and won’t cause them to have bow-legs. Most toddlers can walk backward between 13 and 17 months.

A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of two should not watch any television. While many parents have some idea that television viewing is not good, most parents are not aware of the negative effects television can have on young children, especially when heard as background noise.

No symptoms. For some women, the physical tip-offs of pregnancy, like weight gain, morning sickness, heartburn, or fatigue, don’t happen. Or they’re so mild that a woman just doesn’t notice them. Depending on their body type, “it’s reasonable for a woman to make it to 30 weeks without looking pregnant,” Cackovic says.