The danger of abnormal baby weight at birth

Monitoring the development of a baby's weight since he was in the womb is important. By knowing the development of the baby's weight, pregnant women can get an idea whether your child will be born with a normal weight, excessive, or even less. Normally, Asian babies are born between 2.9 and 3.6 kilograms (kg). If explained in more detail, the average weight of a baby boy born at 37-41 weeks' gestation is between 3 - 3.6 kg, while the weight of a baby girl ranges from 2.9 kg to 3.4 kg.

If the Baby's Weight is Below the Normal Limit

In general, babies are considered to be under normal weight if born with a weight of less than 2.5 kg. This baby's underweight can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Health problems in pregnant women

Health problems in pregnant women such as hypertension, diabetes, or heart problems can affect the baby's weight. For example, if pregnant women experience hypertension, the baby can be born with a body weight below normal.

• Twins are born

When the mother is pregnant with twins, the baby will lack space in the uterus which allows the baby to grow as freely as a single baby. Twins may also be born prematurely.

• Pregnant woman's posture

The size of a baby's body weight is also influenced by his mother's posture. If a pregnant woman has a short and tiny body, chances are the baby born also has a body weight that is relatively smaller than normal conditions.

• Nutritional deficiencies

The development of the fetus during the womb is influenced by nutrient intake. Babies can be born underweight if the mother's diet during pregnancy is unhealthy.

• Health problems in infants

Other factors that can cause a baby's underweight are health problems in the baby, for example birth defects, or infections experienced while still in the womb.

Babies born under normal weight are at risk of experiencing a number of health problems. But it all depends on many things, for example how low the weight of the baby at birth, the development of body weight, to eating patterns and the environment where the baby lives. Even so, not all babies who are underweight will have problems. The baby may grow normally, but requires more supervision from a doctor after birth. This supervision aims to ensure that the baby is in optimal condition.

If the Baby's Weight is Above the Normal Limit

Not only is the baby's body weight below normal, which can increase the risk of health problems. This can also occur in the opposite condition, ie if the baby's body weight is above normal. Babies born with excess weight are also called macrosomia. Babies classified as macrosomia are generally born with a body weight of more than 4.5 kg. Pregnant women who have diabetes, or are overweight or obese, are at risk of giving birth to babies with a body weight above the normal limit. An overweight fetus in the womb can cause disruption in labor, such as blood loss, torn perineum, or damaged tailbone. Although rare, large babies can also experience dystocia or the shoulder of the baby caught in the genital bone during childbirth, which can cause the baby's neck bones to break. It is important for pregnant women to continue to monitor the health of the fetus by routinely checking the womb. The baby's health and weight are important factors that determine the success of the birth process and the baby's developing body. In addition, try to provide exclusive breastfeeding after the baby is born because the nutrients contained in breast milk are very good for your baby's growth and development.