Birthweight
Birthweight
Birthweight (pronounced: /ˈbɜːrθweɪt/) is the weight of a newborn baby, measured immediately after its birth. It is a crucial indicator of the newborn's health and future development.
Etymology
The term "birthweight" is derived from the English words "birth" (from Old English gebyrd meaning "birth, descent, race, nature") and "weight" (from Old English gewiht meaning "weight, measure, amount").
Definition
Birthweight is typically measured in grams (g) or kilograms (kg), though it may also be measured in pounds (lb) and ounces (oz) in some countries. The average birthweight for a full-term newborn is approximately 3.5 kg (7.7 lb), though this can vary significantly.
Factors Influencing Birthweight
Several factors can influence a baby's birthweight, including the mother's health during pregnancy, the baby's gestational age at birth, and the baby's sex. Other factors can include the mother's age, race, and whether she smokes or drinks alcohol during pregnancy.
Gestational Age
Gestational age is the age of an unborn baby, measured in weeks from the first day of the mother's last menstrual period to the current date. It is a crucial factor in determining a baby's birthweight. Premature babies (those born before 37 weeks of gestation) typically have lower birthweights than full-term babies.
Maternal Health
The mother's health during pregnancy can significantly influence a baby's birthweight. Conditions such as gestational diabetes and hypertension can lead to higher birthweights, while malnutrition and certain infections can lead to lower birthweights.
Related Terms
- Low Birthweight: A birthweight of less than 2,500 grams (5.5 pounds).
- High Birthweight: A birthweight of more than 4,000 grams (8.8 pounds).
- Small for Gestational Age: A birthweight that is below the 10th percentile for gestational age.
- Large for Gestational Age: A birthweight that is above the 90th percentile for gestational age.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Birthweight
- Wikipedia's article - Birthweight
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