Today low birthweight is considered one of the most important causes of perinatal morbidity and mortality, and is one of the most useful indicators for evaluating the results of prenatal care, the prospects for child survival and health during the first year. On the theme chatted with Mariela Polo,  pediatrician at Ivan Portuondo teaching Hospital.

Can be control a child with low birth weight?

We must start from that low birth weight is a term used to describe babies born weighing less than 2,500 grams (5 pounds, 8 ounces). The newborn average, however, weighs about 3.2 kg. (7 pounds). Of course through primary care monitoring of pregnancy and adequate prenatal care is performed, the participation of the binomial family doctor /nurse and the team that integrates the Maternal Child Program (PMI) is decisive. One of its priorities is to ensure good maternal and child health and identify each item that may influence pregnancy and the occurrence of low birth weight. Low birth weight is one of the important issues in the area of ​​maternal and perinatal health. It is an indicator that is related to fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality and to the welfare of the mother and son in the postpartum period.

What are the causes that affect the low birthweight?

The main cause of low birthweight is premature birth (ie before 37 gestation weeks). At birth prematurely, the baby has less time in the womb to grow and gain weight. This is the problem, as it is during late pregnancy when the baby's weight gain is bigger. The low weight has social, psychological and environmental influences. Therefore pre-conception risk queries in the areas of health, so that the couple can choose the most opportune time to have a child.

What factors can affect the low weight at birth?

Diseases associated with pregnancy such as vaginal sepsis, urinary sepsis, the presence of anemia, hypertension appear as pregnancy-related diseases, marking the highest number of incidents. Low birth weight and fetal growth irregularities with disorders such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and obesity is also associated.

What other factors can influence?

The nutritional status of the mother has a determining effect on fetal growth and birth weight. There is concrete evidence that the total weight gain during pregnancy serves to predict birth weight tests, although the latter is also affected by nutritional status and size of the mother before pregnancy.

Mortality during the first year of life is 14 times higher in children with low born weight, which in those with a normal birthweight. What other comprehensive strategy preventive actions?

A high cases of low birth weight percent occur in the developing world, thereby joining the diet of pregnant, folic acid supplementation for iron deficiency in pregnant women between 15 and 44 of age. Malnutrition and its consequences pass through the children by malnourished mothers or poor health. Also avoid teenage pregnancy and the pre-conceptional risk understood the period of at least two years between one pregnancy and another.

Within the control appears the option to stay at the Home Mother. What is your opinion?

Through primary care is given monitoring the evolution of pregnant women and to the judgment of the PMI team and with the aim of modifying risk factors for admission control of trigger factors underweight valued. A pregnant is assured adequate diet according to her needs or not gain weight, pressure control, whether they are social cases or dysfunctional families for an enjoyable stay and come to a fruition pregnancy.

Underweight child classifies them as risk. What proceed applies the pediatrician?

Monitoring the development and evolution of children with low birth weight followed with a greater number of consultations during the first year of life to achieve the weight, birth length and proper development, strengthens healthy lifestyle in order to achieve growth from acquisition in the area of ​​health and the judgment of other specialists. The incorporation of diet if does not acquires the correct weight is an approach that continues the family doctor and pediatrician.