Question

What percentage of a newborn's birth weight is expected to be lost during the first 24 hr?

a) 5-7%

b) 10-12%

c) 15-18%

d) 20-22%

Answer 1

During the first week following birth, a newborn's birth weight is expected to decrease by three to seven percent.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the first week following birth, it is normal for the weight of a neonate to decrease by about three to seven percent of the birth weight. For example, a baby born at an average weight of 3.4 kg (7.5 lb) might weigh only 3.2 kg (7.1 lb) by the seventh day after birth. This loss of weight is a normal result of the resorption and urination of the fluid that initially fills the lungs. A contributing factor may be a delay of a few days before feeding becomes well established, which is also normal. After the first week, a healthy neonate should start to gain up to 20 g (0.7 oz) per day.