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 2004, preliminary results indicate that approximately 6% of all babies
born in Maine were of low birth-weight, compared to 8% in the U.S.

 

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).