Final answer:
It is normal for newborns to lose a small amount of weight after birth, which is usually gained back within the first week as feeding is established. Regular growth and weight gain are expected thereafter, with the infant normally doubling its birth weight by six months and tripling it by one year.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, it is normal for an infant to lose weight after delivery. This weight loss can be about three to seven percent of the birth weight during the first week postpartum. For instance, a baby with an average birth weight of 3.4 kg might show a slight decrease to 3.2 kg by the seventh day. This reduction in weight is mainly due to the resorption and urination of lung fluid that was present at birth. Moreover, the establishment of a regular feeding routine can take a few days, which may also contribute to the initial weight loss.
After this initial period, a healthy neonate should begin to gain weight, approximately 20 g per day. It is expected that an infant will double its birth weight by the age of six months and triple it by the first birthday. Regular check-ups measure the baby's growth against standard weight and length charts to assure proper development. If a baby grows too slowly or too quickly, it might be an indicator of health or nutritional issues, which need attention.
It is also worth noting that a full-term newborn usually starts off with an average length of 51 cm and a weight of 3.4 kg. Infants undergo rapid growth in both weight and length during the first year, especially in the initial months, making it the period of most intense physical development after birth.