Final answer:
Babies born slightly under 2,500 grams are considered to have low birth weight. This condition is often due to maternal undernutrition or being born prematurely. Monitoring an infant's growth is essential for ensuring normal development and preventing long-term health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Babies born slightly under 2,500 grams (5 pounds 8 ounces) are considered to have low birth weight. This condition can be a result of maternal undernutrition and intrauterine growth restriction. At birth, the average full-term infant typically weighs about 3.4 kg (7.5 pounds), while a pre-term infant, born before reaching full term at 36-40 weeks, is likely to weigh less due to a shorter period of prenatal growth.
Having a low birth weight increases an infant's risk of disease and mortality during infancy. During their first year of life, it is crucial to monitor a baby's growth and development, comparing it to standard weight and length values. Abnormal growth patterns may indicate health issues or undernutrition, potentially leading to long-term size and development deficits. Conversely, rapid weight gain can increase obesity risks later in life.
Infancy is the period of most rapid growth after birth, with an infant generally tripling their birth weight by the first birthday. It's fundamental for infants to receive adequate nutrition to reach these growth milestones and support their rapid physical and cognitive development.