When babies are born with a weight of fewer than 5 pounds 8 ounces or 2500 grams, they are said to have low birth weight. The average weight of any newborn baby should be 8 pounds. So, you need to consult the best pediatrician in Delhi toprevent this condition. The first thing that you should do is never miss your prenatal checkups.
Not all low birth weight babies have complications, but they are always at a risk of developing on. Sometimes the baby also has to be admitted to a NICU (newborn intensive care unit) for special care. Some of the risks associated with low birth weight are explained below.
Breathing Problems
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is often noticed in babies that have low birth weight. These babies do not have surfactant – a protein that prevents the air sacs present in the lungs from collapsing. So, when this protein is absent, the baby has to be administered with surfactant for treatment, and sometimes oxygen also has to be provided.
Patent DuctusArteriosus(PDA)
Patent DuctusArteriosus is referred to the condition when there is a malfunctioning in an opening of the heart from which two major blood vessels leading out. This opening fails to close properly. Thus, the lungs receive an extra flow of blood. In some babies, this opening may close naturally, but in others, special treatment is necessary.
IntraventricularHemorrhage or (IVH)
IVH causes due to bleeding in the brain. Brain bleeds often can fix themselves, but in severe cases, they can lead to the accumulation of fluids in the brain. This ultimately leads to brain damage. When conditions become worse, a tube is inserted by the surgeon into the baby’s brain to drain out the fluid.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a very common problem seen in premature babies with low birth weight. The skin of the baby appears to be yellow, and so do their eyes. This happens when the amount of bilirubin in the blood increases. When jaundice becomes severe, the baby is usually treated with blood transfusion, light therapy, or intravenous immunoglobulin. If these treatments do not show any positive result, then an exchange transfusion is done.
Retinopathy of Prematurity(ROP)
This is a type of eye disease that is seen in premature babies. The retina of the newborn child fails to develop even after weeks of birth. Administering immediate treatment is very important in this case. If not checked carefully, the problem can impair the vision of your baby permanently.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis(NEC)
NEC is a problem in the intestines of a newborn child. It can lead to feeding problems and also cause swelling in the belly. Usually treated with antibiotics, an NEC affected baby might also have to undergo surgery in severe cases.
So, consult an experienced pediatrician in Delhi and take all the preventive measures during your pregnancy to prevent these conditions.
