Effects of low birth weight on child development

Dr.Sameer Punia, 0 mins read

Having a baby is the biggest blessing we humans have. It turnaround the whole scenario of how we see the world and how the world sees us. A baby brings a bundle of joy to the family, giving everyone a moment to celebrate and relive their childhood with them. But with that joy and happiness, a lot of responsibilities and concerns come on our shoulders. 

One major concern is related to their health. As their immune system and body are developing, we, as parents, need to be more cautious. This becomes more concerning when the baby is born with low birth weight (LBW).  

Low birth weight means less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (2.5 kg) of body weight. It is an indicator of multifaceted public health problems, including long-term maternal malnutrition, illness, exposure to chemicals, poor care in pregnancy, etc. These factors can cause intrauterine growth restriction, prematurity, or both, leading to LBW.

As per data, an estimated 12% of babies were born with LBW in 2019-21 in India. These children usually look smaller than healthy children. Also, their head looks much bigger than the rest of the body.

The problem is not just the low birth weight, but the real problem lies in its long-term consequences, like inhibited growth and cognitive development and risk of getting non-communicable diseases (NCDs) later in life. In the worst case, it can be fatal. 

But the good news is that by having the right guidance and expertise by your side, your child can easily sail through challenges. This guide will help you understand this problem and make the right decision for your child’s health.

The Impact of Low Birth Weight on Child Development

Low birth weight can have a significant impact on a child's mental and physical development. While some babies born with low birth weight are healthy, others may experience cognitive, emotional, and behavioural challenges. 

At the Time of Birth

Just after birth, such children can have problems like:

• Low oxygen level 
• Trouble staying warm due to little body fat
• Infection 
• Jaundice 
• Digestive problems, like inflammation of the intestines
• Difficulty breathing, like respiratory distress syndrome
• Bleeding inside the brain or a nervous system problem 

Cognitive Development Challenges

Studies show that babies born with low birth weight may experience struggles with cognitive control. This makes it difficult for them to regulate thoughts, actions, and emotions. This can lead to challenges with problem-solving, decision-making, and adapting to new situations. 

Research has also shown that these children may have delayed motor and social development, learning problems, and health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and heart disease. 

Effects on Brain Development

These children may experience differences in brain structure and function, particularly in the white matter. This white matter plays a crucial role in connectivity between brain areas. A problem with it can affect cognitive development and lead to:

• Slower processing speed and difficulty filtering out distractions
• Increased stress and anxiety due to hyper-reactive brain activation
• Problem in adapting to new situations and rules

Long-term Implications

While many of these children catch up with their peers, some may experience long-term effects, including:

• Difficulty with reading, writing, and math
• Challenges in eating, gaining weight, and fighting infections
• Slower or inhibited growth rate
• Increased risk of ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), anxiety, and depression
• Difficulty forming and maintaining relationships

Supporting Children with Low Birth Weight

Early intervention and support can make a significant difference in their lives. Here are some strategies for parents and caregivers to help these children:

• NICU-care, use of a temperature-controlled bed, and treatment for a few days after the birth can stabilise and support the baby.
• Tailor-made educational and therapeutic approaches can be curated to fit into the unique needs of these children. 
• Established routines and a stable environment may help reduce stress and anxiety and help them adapt and grow like their peers.
• Consider regular check-ups to track cognitive, emotional, and physical development. Closely work with your doctor to provide targeted support and help these children thrive. If you have any questions and want a personalised therapy for your child, you can consult our expert paediatrician at Aakash Healthcare. 

Also Read: What to do when a baby is not eating?