With the baby underweight or not gaining weight, the baby has to face many disadvantages. The baby is not only underdeveloped physically but also intellectually. It is very important to understand the cause and find ways to prevent it early.
Unqualified weight is a term used to refer to babies who are lighter than babies at the same number of weeks of pregnancy according to the Mean Criteria. Babies can develop normal physical and nerve but in terms of size and weight, they are smaller than other babies.
The cause of low birth weight can be hereditary (due to parents of young children). However, most subprime fetal weight is usually due to developmental problems that occur during pregnancy. Many babies who are underweight are often due to developmental delays. Growth retardation occurs when the fetus does not receive the nutrients and oxygen needed for the growth and development of organs and tissues.
Retardation is likely to begin at any time during pregnancy. Growth retardation is often caused by a chromosomal abnormality, an illness from the mother, or serious problems with the placenta. A fetal delay after 32 weeks is often associated with other problems. There are a number of other reasons that can cause a baby's weight to be below standard.
On the mother's side
High Blood Pressure
Chronic kidney disease
Heart or respiratory disease
Malnutrition, anemia
Infection
Substance use (alcohol, drugs)
Smoke
Factors related to the uterus and placenta
Low blood flow to the uterus and placenta
Placenta detachment (the placenta separates from the uterus)
Infection of the tissues surrounding the fetus
Factors related to the fetus
Multiple pregnancy (twins or triplets)
Infection
Birth defects
Chromosome abnormality
When the fetus does not receive enough oxygen or nutrients during pregnancy, the body's growth is limited, tissue cells and muscle cells cannot develop. A low birth weight fetus can be caused by less blood flow through the placenta. This causes the fetus to receive less oxygen than usual, increasing the potential risk during pregnancy and childbirth. Babies with sub-standard weight are more likely to experience the following problems:
Low blood oxygen levels
Low Apgar score
Gut amniotic fluid inhalation syndrome causes difficulty breathing
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Can't maintain normal body temperature
Babies with sub-standard weights will be detected before birth. During pregnancy, the size of the fetus will be calculated in many different ways. The height of the uterus (the end of the mother's uterus) can be measured from the pubic bone. The size of the fetus usually corresponds to the number of weeks of pregnancy after the 20th week. If the baby's size is smaller than the standard size for weeks, the baby may be smaller than normal. Some of the following tests can help determine if the pregnancy isn't gaining weight:
Ultrasound is an accurate method for estimating the size of the fetus. Measurements can be taken in the head and abdomen of the fetus and compared with growth charts to estimate fetal weight. Fetal circumference is a useful indicator of fetal weight.
Doppler ultrasound helps to check the blood flow through the fetus and umbilical cord.
Maternal weight gain can also indicate the size of the baby. If the mother gains little weight during pregnancy, the fetus in the womb will not gain weight.
The doctor uses a fetal weight formula or chart to calculate your baby's body mass.
The treatment of underweight pregnancy will be decided by the doctor based on:
Gestational age, medical condition and medical history
Your baby's tolerance to drugs, procedures, or therapies.
Babies born with this condition are usually weaker and have difficulty feeding or maintaining body temperature. Therefore, your baby will:
Stay in the incubator with temperature control
Tube feeding (if the baby cannot smoke)
Check your blood sugar through a blood test
Breathe oxygen.
Prenatal care is important in identifying problems that may be encountered as the baby develops. Stopping smoking and using drugs like drugs and alcohol is the best way to have a healthy pregnancy and reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) . Besides, a nutritious diet is also very important.
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