Low Weight Babies Research Paper

Words: 429
Pages: 2

A child born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces is classified as being born with a low birth weight. While this is predominantly shown in children who are born prematurely or suffering from other complications or birth defects, about 12% of babies born in America are born within this classification. Some of these babies are simply smaller than others and go on to live normal, healthy lives; others however may be afflicted at or shortly after birth, or even develop trouble with their health later in life, studies show. At birth, certain risks facing low weight babies include: Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Intraventricular Hemorrhaging, Patent Ductus Arteriosus, and Necrotizing Enterocolitis. Respiratory Distress Syndrome, or RDS, is a