Premature birth: Babies born before 37 weeks of gestation are considered premature. Prematurity is a leading cause of low birth weight because the fetus hasn't had enough time to grow and develop fully in the womb.
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR): This condition occurs when a baby fails to reach its expected growth potential inside the womb. Various factors can contribute to IUGR, including poor nutrition, placental problems, maternal health issues (such as high blood pressure or preeclampsia), smoking, drug use, or certain infections.
Multiple pregnancies: Twins, triplets, or other multiples tend to have lower birth weights compared to single babies. This is because the mother's uterus has to accommodate multiple fetuses, which may result in limited space and nutrient supply for each individual baby.
Maternal factors: Certain maternal factors can increase the likelihood of a baby having a low birth weight. These include poor maternal nutrition, inadequate weight gain during pregnancy, smoking, drug use, alcohol consumption, and certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Maternal age: Teenage mothers and women over the age of 35 have a slightly higher risk of giving birth to low birth weight babies.
Placental abnormalities: The placenta plays a vital role in supplying nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus. If the placenta is not functioning properly due to conditions like placental insufficiency or placental abruption, it can affect the baby's growth and result in a low birth weight.
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