By: Dr. Hari Balasubramanian, Consultant Neonatologist, Surya Hospital
In India, the current scenario of underweight newborns remains a significant concern that requires attention. There are several reasons why babies are born underweight nowadays. One common reason is the mother’s nutrition and diet during pregnancy. Poor maternal diet can lead to inadequate weight gain for the baby, resulting in a lower birth weight. This also causes premature birth where babies born before 37 weeks and do not have had enough time to fully develop in the womb. Poor nutrition during pregnancy, smoking, and drug use also impacts a baby’s growth in the womb.
As per a report, about 30-40% of infants are born with low birth weights in India, which is often linked to poor maternal nutrition, limited access to quality healthcare services, and socio-economic factors. The consequences of being born underweight can have long-lasting effects on a child’s health and development, increasing their exposure to infections, cognitive impairments, and chronic diseases later in life. A lack of awareness aggravates the issue about appropriate prenatal care and the importance of proper nutrition during pregnancy. Government initiatives to address this problem include promoting breastfeeding, improving access to pre-birth care services, and improving nutritional support for pregnant women.
The role of a would-be mother
As a would-be mother, it’s important to make sure that you’re taking the necessary steps to avoid delivering underweight. Maintaining a balanced and nutrient rich food such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains is essential for both your health and your baby’s development. Be sure to include foods high in essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, calcium, and protein. Additionally, staying active with prenatal exercises recommended by your healthcare provider can help promote proper fetal growth and prevent low birth weight. It’s also important to attend all prenatal appointments and follow any recommendations provided by your doctor or midwife to monitor your baby’s growth and adjust as and when needed. Remember to listen to your body, prioritize self-care, and seek support from healthcare professionals if you have any concerns about delivering underweight. By following these guidelines, you can increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy and delivery for both you and your baby.
Step to follow if the newborn baby is under-weight
It is a concerning and challenging situation for parents when a newborn baby is underweight. It is important to approach this delicate issue with care and attention to make sure the well-being of the baby. Healthcare professionals in India need to address the situation by providing adequate prenatal care for expecting mothers, ensuring proper nutrition during pregnancy, and promoting breastfeeding practices. The key here is to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a plan that will help your baby succeed and reach a healthy weight. This may involve monitoring their feeding habits, making sure they’re getting enough nutrients, and possibly even introducing supplements if needed. Also, parents need to remember, every baby is different, so what works for one may not work for another. So, they need to stay informed, positive, and need to trust that with the right support and care, their little one will grow big and strong in no time.
Importance of monitoring baby’s food habit
It is essential to monitor a baby’s weight and growth in cases of underweight newborns regularly is essential for several reasons. This helps healthcare providers track the baby’s progress and make necessary interventions if needed. It helps to make sure that the baby is developing and growing at a healthy rate. If there are any concerns or issues with their growth, catching them early on can lead to quicker intervention and treatment. Additionally, monitoring weight and growth can help identify any underlying health conditions or nutritional deficiencies that may impact the baby’s development. Parents and healthcare providers can also make informed decisions about feeding schedules, diet modifications, and overall care practices to improve the baby’s growth and well-being by keeping track of these measurements. Overall, consistent monitoring of a baby’s weight and growth is key in promoting their health and ensuring they are thriving as they should be.
Nutritious Feeding
Babies who are underweight need all the extra nutrients and calories they can get to help them gain and reach a healthy weight. This means feeding them nutrient-dense foods like breast milk or formula, as well as introducing solids at the appropriate age. Nutritious feeding not only helps with weight gain but also supports overall growth and development, including brain development. It’s important to work closely with your pediatrician or healthcare provider to create a feeding plan that meets your baby’s specific needs.
In conclusion, parents need to understand and make sure a calm and nurturing environment for the baby can contribute to their overall well-being and aid in weight gain. Limiting stressors and disturbances can help the baby grow well. Also, engaging in skin-to-skin contact with the baby can promote bonding and aid in regulating the baby’s body temperature and promoting weight gain. Caring for an underweight newborn requires patience, attention, and a proactive approach. Parents can support their baby’s growth and development effectively by following these key considerations and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals.