Our briefing paper on low birth weight has been updated to bring it up-to-date with the latest indicators, data and strategies.

Low birth weight increases the risk of childhood mortality, developmental problems and poorer health in later life. A low birth weight is considered as under 2500g for a gestational age of at least 37 complete weeks (a full-term baby).

There were 194 full-term babies born with a low birth weight in Norfolk in 2017; this gives Norfolk a low birth weight rate of 2.4%, which is better than the national average. Having a child with a low birth weight is associated with poor lifestyle during pregnancy, including smoking and insufficient nutrition.

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