This indicator shows the percentage of births in which the newborn weighed less than 2,500 grams (5 pounds, 8 ounces).

Babies born with a low birth weight are more likely than babies of normal weight to require specialized medical care, and often must stay in the intensive care unit. Low birth weight is often associated with premature birth. While there have been many medical advances enabling premature infants to survive, there is still risk of infant death or long-term disability. The most important things an expectant mother can do to prevent prematurity and low birth weight are to take prenatal vitamins, stop smoking, stop drinking alcohol and using drugs, and most importantly, get prenatal care.

This indicator shows the percentage of births in which the newborn weighed less than 2,500 grams (5 pounds, 8 ounces).

Babies born with a low birth weight are more likely than babies of normal weight to require specialized medical care, and often must stay in the intensive care unit. Low birth weight is often associated with premature birth. While there have been many medical advances enabling premature infants to survive, there is still risk of infant death or long-term disability. The most important things an expectant mother can do to prevent prematurity and low birth weight are to take prenatal vitamins, stop smoking, stop drinking alcohol and using drugs, and most importantly, get prenatal care.

Target is based on the Maryland SHIP 2014 Target for the percent of low-birthweight births indicator (#3).

This indicator shows the percentage of births in which the newborn weighed less than 2,500 grams (5 pounds, 8 ounces).

Babies born with a low birth weight are more likely than babies of normal weight to require specialized medical care, and often must stay in the intensive care unit. Low birth weight is often associated with premature birth. While there have been many medical advances enabling premature infants to survive, there is still risk of infant death or long-term disability. The most important things an expectant mother can do to prevent prematurity and low birth weight are to take prenatal vitamins, stop smoking, stop drinking alcohol and using drugs, and most importantly, get prenatal care.