Low Birth Weight Babies Normally Need Special Care

Low birth weight babies need special attention when they are born. 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 a premature baby, but there are other reasons why this can happen. 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 as best as you can to help avoid having a low birth weight baby.

Possible Causes of Low Birth Weight Babies

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 can be while they are pregnant. Some actually think smoking will make the baby small so the babies 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 infants happen when a woman has a premature birth. This happens for various reasons, and sometimes, for no reason at all. Those that have had a premature infant once are high risk to have another, but no one can be sure that they are going to carry for a 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.

Low Birth Weight Babies Will Spend Time in NICU

Preterm infants 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 birthweight 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 it’s what’s 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 having a preterm birth, 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.

Enjoy More Baby Related Blogs;

Tags: , , , , , , ,