Low birth weight is defined as a birth weight less than how many grams?

Low birth weight is defined as a birth weight less than how many grams?

• A. 1500 g
• B. 2000 g
• C. 2500 g
• D. 3000 g

Answer: (C)

Low birth weight is defined as birth weight less than 2,500 grams. This threshold is used because infants under 2,500 g have higher risks of neonatal mortality and morbidity, including respiratory problems, infections, and temperature instability, compared with babies weighing 2,500 g or more. The 2,500 g cutoff helps clinicians and public health professionals identify infants who may need closer monitoring and targeted care. For context, 1,500 g is the threshold for very low birth weight, and weights around 2,000 g are still considered low birth weight but fall under the same general category, while 3,000 g is above the cutoff and typically considered normal birth weight.

Low birth weight is defined as birth weight less than 2,500 grams. This threshold is used because infants under 2,500 g have higher risks of neonatal mortality and morbidity, including respiratory problems, infections, and temperature instability, compared with babies weighing 2,500 g or more. The 2,500 g cutoff helps clinicians and public health professionals identify infants who may need closer monitoring and targeted care. For context, 1,500 g is the threshold for very low birth weight, and weights around 2,000 g are still considered low birth weight but fall under the same general category, while 3,000 g is above the cutoff and typically considered normal birth weight.