A baby’s birthweight is one important indicator of health at birth. Low birthweight means a baby is born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces, or 2,500 grams. While some babies with low birthweight are healthy and develop normally, others face a greater risk of health problems immediately after birth and, in some cases, later in childhood or adulthood.

For families in West Orange County, Florida, understanding low birthweight is particularly important because many of the factors that contribute to a healthy birth—including early prenatal care, maternal nutrition and management of health conditions—can be addressed during pregnancy.

In Florida, 9% of babies born in 2024 had low birthweight, according to the Florida Department of Health.

What health problems are associated with low birthweight?

Why Does Low Birthweight Cause Health Concerns?

Babies are typically born with low birthweight for two main reasons. The first is premature birth, meaning the baby is born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. The second is fetal growth restriction, when a baby does not grow as expected during pregnancy.

The earlier or smaller a baby is at birth, the more likely the baby may need specialized medical care. However, birthweight alone does not determine a baby’s health. Gestational age, the reason for the baby’s small size, and other medical factors also matter.

The March of Dimes notes that some low-birthweight babies have few complications, while others may experience serious medical problems and require treatment in a neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU.

Breathing Problems

One of the most common problems among very small or premature babies involves the lungs.

A baby’s lungs continue developing during the final weeks of pregnancy. Babies born too early may not have enough surfactant, a substance that helps keep the tiny air sacs in the lungs open. This can lead to respiratory distress syndrome, making it difficult for a newborn to breathe without assistance.

Some babies may need supplemental oxygen, medication or temporary breathing support while their lungs mature.

Difficulty Feeding and Gaining Weight

Low-birthweight babies may have difficulty coordinating the sucking, swallowing and breathing required for feeding.

They may also tire easily when breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. As a result, healthcare providers closely monitor nutrition and weight gain.

Some very small babies temporarily receive nutrition through a feeding tube or intravenous line until they become strong enough to eat independently.

Increased Risk of Infection

A baby’s immune system develops throughout pregnancy. Babies who are born early or very small may have a less-developed immune system, which can make it harder for them to fight infections.

For this reason, healthcare teams may closely monitor low-birthweight babies for signs of infection during the newborn period.

Problems Affecting the Brain

Very premature and very low-birthweight babies can have a higher risk of intraventricular hemorrhage, or bleeding within the brain.

Many cases are mild, but serious bleeding can sometimes affect brain development.

Low birthweight and premature birth are also associated with an increased risk for developmental disabilities. The CDC identifies low birthweight and premature birth among factors associated with increased risk for a number of developmental conditions.

Intestinal and Digestive Problems

Some very premature or low-birthweight babies develop a serious intestinal condition called necrotizing enterocolitis, or NEC.

NEC causes inflammation and injury within the intestines. Babies with the condition may experience feeding problems or abdominal swelling and may require antibiotics, intravenous nutrition or, in severe cases, surgery.

Vision Problems

Premature and very small babies can also develop retinopathy of prematurity, a condition involving abnormal development of blood vessels in the retina.

Babies at risk are typically monitored by specialists so problems can be detected and treated as early as possible.

Developmental and Long-Term Health Concerns

The effects of low birthweight do not necessarily end when a baby leaves the hospital.

Some children born at low birthweight have an increased risk for developmental delays affecting movement, learning, communication or other milestones. Regular pediatric visits and developmental screenings can help identify concerns early.

Research has also associated low birthweight with a greater likelihood of certain health problems later in life, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and metabolic conditions. This does not mean a child born at low birthweight will develop these conditions, only that the statistical risk is higher.

Can Low Birthweight Be Prevented?

Not every case of low birthweight can be prevented. However, good prenatal care can help healthcare providers identify and manage conditions that may increase the risk.

That includes monitoring a baby’s growth and managing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as addressing infections, nutrition and other pregnancy-related concerns.

For expectant parents in Winter Garden, Ocoee, Windermere, Dr. Phillips and surrounding West Orange County communities, beginning prenatal care early gives healthcare providers more time to monitor both the pregnant patient and developing baby.

Keeping prenatal appointments is especially important because a healthcare provider can track fetal growth, identify potential problems and determine whether additional testing or specialized care is needed.

The Bottom Line

Low birthweight does not automatically mean a baby will have health problems. Many babies born small grow and develop normally.

However, low birthweight can increase the risk of breathing difficulties, infection, feeding problems, brain and intestinal complications, vision problems and developmental delays, particularly when a baby is also born prematurely.

That makes preventing premature birth when possible, monitoring fetal growth and ensuring access to timely prenatal care important parts of improving maternal and infant health in West Orange County.

If you are pregnant, establishing prenatal care early and attending recommended appointments gives your healthcare team the best opportunity to monitor your baby’s growth and address concerns throughout pregnancy.