Low Birth Weight Infants

Measure

Rate (per 1,000) of live births weighing less than 2,500 grams (5.5 pounds) born to Hall County, Georgia residents (regardless of where the birth occurred). 

(Counties included in District II are: Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White)

Why is this indicator important?

Low birth weight infants face increased health risks, including chronic lung disease, respiratory illness, vision and hearing problems, and neurodevelopmental impairments that can lead to disabilities. Such risk factors are 40 times higher for low birth weight babies than for those of normal weight.  Financially, the small proportion of low birth weight babies of total births account for more than one-third of all dollars spent on health care for infants.  The health consequences and the financial consequences of low birth weight can continue into adulthood in the form of higher incidences of hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

Most of the known risk factors for low birth weight begin long before a pregnancy occurs. Smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, stress associated with low socio-economic status, and exposure to environmental toxins and hazards are examples of low birth weight risk factors. Poor maternal health, inadequate maternal weight gain, diabetes, hypertension, periodontal disease and other infections also contribute to low birth weight.  Racial and ethnic differences, as well as the age of the mother and gestation age are also contributors. Low birth weight can be reduced by early prenatal care that includes medical, nutritional, and supportive services.

Some of the increase in low birth weight rates is a result of new technology and a corresponding decline in infant mortality.   Medical technology has enabled many tiny, sickly babies who would have died years ago, to survive. In addition, the expanded use of fertility-enhancing drugs has increased the number of multiple births (twins and triplets) who tend to weigh less than 5.5 pounds at birth.

How are we doing in Hall County?

• Hall County continues to rank 1st in the state of Georgia in the Healthy Start Index for infants.  The Healthy Start Index combines three measures (babies born weighing 2500 grams or more, babies born to mothers who received prenatal care in the first trimester, and babies born to mothers who did not smoke or drink alcohol during pregnancy).
• Since 1994, the percentage of infants born at low birth weight (weighing less than 5.5 pounds) has been consistently lower than Georgia and national percentages.

What does research tell us we can do to improve this indicator?

• Educate women about the importance of nutrition, prenatal care, and the dangers of smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy.