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What is low birth weight (LBW)?
Low birth weight (LBW) is a term used when a baby weighs less than 5 lb 8 oz (2,500 g) at birth. This often happens when a baby is born 3 or more weeks early (premature).
Some babies born with LBW are healthy—just small. Some may need to stay in the hospital until they can eat, breathe, and stay warm on their own.
These babies may have trouble eating, gaining weight, and fighting infections. Some babies born with LBW may have problems with development. They may be in the hospital more often in their first year of life than babies born without LBW.
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