Indicator: 14 Low Birth Weight Infants                                   

Why This Is Important

Low birth-weight infants face an increased risk of physical and developmental complications
and death. These babies nationally account for nearly two-thirds of all neonatal deaths and are
21 times more likely to die during the first year than are heavier infants.

 

 

 

Where We Stand

Maine's incidence of low birth-weight (LBW) infants is consistently less than the national

percentages. For 2003, preliminary results indicate that almost 7% of all babies born in Maine
were of low birth-weight. However, when LBW are reported in five-year averages, both Maine
and the nation are witnessing a slight increase in their incidence.

 

Data Sources and Context

The Maine data comes from the Office of Data, Research and Vital Statistics, Bureau of Health,
Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

U.S. data comes from the preliminary and final birth data reports published by the National Center
for Health Statistics (on-line at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/births.htm). A “low birth-weight infant” is
defined as a live birth weighing under 2500 grams (5.5 pounds).