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Dangers of Low Birth Weight to a Mother and Children
Having a LBW baby can cause emotional, social and financial stress for the family. In one mother's words "It is difficult to portray in writing the stress, fear, anguish and disappointment felt as a parent when your child comes into this world not as expected." (read full story) The reality is that LBW babies usually need extra hospital care, and there is constant concern and uncertainty regarding their future health.
Some facts you should be aware of:
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Mothers of LBW babies have a greater chance of having postpartum depression.
- Parents of LBW babies report difficulties in their marital relationship - this adds to their already high level of stress
- Mothers of LBW babies need a longer time before returning to work and take more days off, once they have returned to work, to care for their children's health needs.
Dangers of Low Birth Weight to the baby
- Babies who are born LBW and/or preterm (before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy) are at greater risk of having:
- learning difficulties
- vision difficulties
- chronic respiratory problems like asthma
- cerebral palsy
- The earlier the baby is born, the more likely problems will result
 Next page - The Benefits of healthy birth weight
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What is Low Birth Weight?
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