Birth-Weight
Introduction
There are a variety of prenatal techniques for estimating approximate birth weight that are relevant for preterm, term and prolonged pregnancy. Ultrasound two- and three-dimensional scanning methods are the basis of most current techniques.
At birth, infants are generally weighed as soon as possible and may also be monitored during the neonatal period.
Birth Weight Classifications
The primary causes of VLBW are premature birth (born <37 weeks gestation, and often <30 weeks) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), usually due to problems with placenta, maternal health, or to birth defects. Many VLBW babies with IUGR are preterm and thus are both physically small and physiologically immature.
Birth weight (grams) | less 500 | 500 – 999 | 1,000 – 1,499 | 1,500 – 1,999 | 2,000 – 2,499 | 2,500 – 2,999 | 3,000 – 3,499 | 3,500 – 3,999 | 4,000 – 4,499 | 4,500 – 4,999 | 5,000 or more |
Classification | Extremely Low Birth Weight | Very Low Birth Weight | Low Birth Weight | Normal Birth Weight | High Birth Weight |
Weight Conversions
Extremely Low Birth Weight
- Less than 500 grams (1 lb 1 oz or less)
- 500 – 999 grams (1 lb 2 oz – 2 lb 3 oz)
Very Low Birth Weight
- 1,000 – 1,499 grams (2 lb 4 oz – 3 lb 4 oz)
Low Birth Weight
- 1,500–1,999 grams (3 lb 5 oz – 4 lb 6 oz)
- 2,000–2,499 grams (4 lb 7 oz – 5 lb 8 oz)
Normal Birth Weight
- 2,500–2,999 grams (5 lb 9 oz – 6 lb 9 oz)
- 3,000–3,499 grams (6 lb 10 oz – 7 lb 11 oz)
- 3,500–3,999 grams (7 lb 12 oz – 8 lb 13 oz)
High Birth Weight (macrosomia)
- 4,000–4,499 grams (8 lb 14 oz – 9 lb 14 oz)
- 4,500–4,999 grams (9 lb 15 oz – 11 lb 0 oz)
- 5,000 grams or more (11 lb 1 oz or more)
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Cite this page: Hill, M.A. (2024, March 28) Embryology Birth-Weight. Retrieved from https://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/embryology/index.php/Birth-Weight
- © Dr Mark Hill 2024, UNSW Embryology ISBN: 978 0 7334 2609 4 - UNSW CRICOS Provider Code No. 00098G