Low birthweight and macrosomia

Previous pregnancies that resulted either in low birthweights or macrosomia may be indicative of previous nutrition-related problems and an increased risk for the current pregnancy. (Worthington-Roberts, 1997)

Low birthweight (<2500 grams or 5.5 pounds) increases an infant’s risk of morbidity/mortality in the neonatal period, deficits in later growth and cognitive development, pulmonary disease, diabetes, and heart disease. Macrosomia (>4500 grams or 9.9 pounds) has been associated with obstetric complications, birth trauma, and higher rates of neonatal morbidity/mortality.