According to the Turkish Demographic and Health Survey data, 10% of the children whose birth weight is stated are Low Birth Weight.
Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Op. Dr. Meriç Çağrı Ağır gave detailed information about the subject and explained the curious questions.
If the Baby is Under 2,500 Grams!
Babies with low birth weight Emphasizing that it poses a risk for health, Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Op. Dr. Meriç Çağrı Ağır said, “Low birth weight is when the weight of a baby born after the 37th week of pregnancy is below 2,500 grams.
Low birth weight babies are detected by gynecologists during ultrasound imaging. Before birth, pediatricians are informed and necessary preparations are made before birth. Because low birth weight babies are at risk.” he said.
It Can Start at Any Period of Pregnancy
Op stated that some babies can be born with low birth weight due to the problems they experience in the womb. Dr. Meriç Çağrı Ağır said, “It occurs when the oxygen and nutrients required for the baby's growth are not provided in sufficient quantities as a result of the problems experienced in the womb. Low birth weight can begin at any time during pregnancy.
Developmental delays that begin in the early stages of pregnancy are generally more serious conditions caused by chromosome-related problems or additional diseases of the mother. "In growth delays that begin after the 32nd week, the risk is relatively less as the baby has reached a certain development and weight." he said.
Mother Is Not the Only Risk Factor
Stating that there are many reasons for low birth weight, Meriç Çağrı Ağır said, “Low birth weight is caused by the expectant mother alone.” It does not consist of problems. It depends on the baby; It may be caused by reasons such as multiple pregnancy, infection, chromosomal problems, as well as factors related to the uterus and placenta of the expectant mother.
It is extremely important to identify the risk factors arising from these 3 reasons and develop interventions to prevent them. In this way, quality of life It will be possible to reach healthy societies consisting of individuals with high motivation.” said.
Smoking Affects Birth Weight
Noting that smoking during pregnancy affects birth weight in babies, Ağır said, “Smoking reduces placental perfusion and prevents hemoglobin from carrying oxygen. It is observed that the birth weight of the babies of expectant mothers who continue to smoke during pregnancy decreases. Expectant mothers who continue to smoke pose a risk to their babies.
Using substances that may pose problems in the baby's development, such as alcohol and drugs, also poses the risk of low birth weight. Also found in expectant mothers; Diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, anemia, heart and uterine diseases and infection increase the risk of low birth weight.” He said.
Under 45 Kilograms Increases the Risk
Emphasizing that expectant mothers should pay attention to their nutrition, Ağır said, “It is very important for expectant mothers to gain a healthy weight for the development of the baby during pregnancy.” . The baby develops accordingly as the expectant mother feeds. "If the expectant mother weighs less than 45 kilos, it may cause the baby not to be fed enough and poses a risk of low birth weight." he said.
Low Birth Weight Is Confused with Premature Babies
Noting that low birth weight babies are confused with premature babies, Ağır said, “Low birth weight does not result in prematurity. Premature are babies born before the 37th week of pregnancy. Premature babies may experience health problems because their organs are not developed. “Low birth weight babies are babies whose weight is low for their gestational age.” said.
Ağır said, “Mothers-to-be should have regular check-ups during pregnancy. "It is important for expectant mothers to exercise regularly under the supervision of a doctor for the development of the unborn baby." he said.
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