Protective care for low birth weight infants.

Low Birth Weight in Infants: Uncovering the Hidden Risks & How to Protect Your Baby

Author's portrait.
Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 5 min read.

"New study reveals key factors impacting infant mortality in Karangasem, Bali, offering vital insights for parents and healthcare providers."


The first few weeks and months of a baby's life are very important to their health and well being. While many factors contribute to a healthy start, birth weight plays a crucial role. Low birth weight (LBW), defined as a weight less than 2500 grams (approximately 5.5 pounds), can significantly impact an infant's survival and long-term health. In Indonesia, infant mortality remains a concern, with LBW being a major contributing factor.

Previous research has explored the demographic and clinical factors associated with mortality in LBW infants. However, a recent study conducted in Karangasem District Hospital, Bali, sheds new light on the influence of healthcare access and referral systems on infant survival. This study analyzes data from 2012 to 2014, examining demographic factors, clinical conditions, and healthcare service utilization to determine their impact on LBW infant mortality.

This article breaks down the key findings of this research, providing parents, healthcare professionals, and policymakers with actionable insights to improve outcomes for LBW infants. By understanding the factors that contribute to mortality, we can work towards creating a safer and healthier start for every child.

What Factors Increase the Risk? Key Findings from the Karangasem Study

Protective care for low birth weight infants.

The study revealed a mortality rate of 12.12% among LBW infants hospitalized in Karangasem District Hospital during the study period. Several factors were identified as significant determinants of mortality, highlighting areas where targeted interventions can make a real difference. Here's a breakdown of the key findings:

Specifically, the data showed the following:

  • Birth Weight Matters: An increase of just 50 grams in birth weight was associated with a lower risk of mortality. This emphasizes the critical importance of prenatal care and interventions aimed at promoting healthy fetal growth.
  • Asphyxia is a Major Threat: Infants who experienced asphyxia (oxygen deprivation) had a significantly higher risk of death. This underscores the need for improved monitoring during labor and delivery, as well as prompt and effective resuscitation techniques.
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a Critical Challenge: RDS, a condition common in preterm infants, was also identified as a major risk factor. Access to specialized respiratory support and surfactant therapy is crucial for improving survival rates in these infants.
  • Referral Systems Need Improvement: Infants who were referred from other healthcare facilities had a higher risk of mortality compared to those born at the hospital. This highlights potential issues with timely access to specialized care and the effectiveness of the referral process.
These findings emphasize the interconnectedness of various factors influencing LBW infant mortality. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach involving improved prenatal care, skilled birth attendance, access to specialized neonatal care, and a well-functioning referral system.

Protecting Our Little Ones: What Can Be Done?

The study's conclusions serve as a call to action for parents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to work together to improve outcomes for LBW infants. By focusing on modifiable risk factors, we can significantly reduce mortality rates and give these vulnerable babies a better chance at a healthy future.

Here are some key strategies that can make a difference:

<ul><li><b>Enhance Prenatal Care:</b> Providing comprehensive prenatal care, including nutritional counseling and monitoring for complications, can help promote healthy fetal growth and reduce the risk of preterm birth.</li><li><b>Improve Birth Attendant Skills:</b> Training healthcare providers in essential newborn care, including resuscitation techniques, is crucial for managing complications like asphyxia.</li><li><b>Strengthen Referral Systems:</b> Establishing clear and efficient referral pathways ensures that LBW infants receive timely access to specialized care when needed.</li><li><b>Ensure Access to Neonatal Care:</b> Investing in well-equipped neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) with trained staff and essential resources, such as surfactant therapy, can significantly improve survival rates for infants with RDS.</li><li><b>Promote Breastfeeding:</b> Breast milk provides essential nutrients and antibodies that can protect LBW infants from infections and other complications.</li></ul>

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.24843/phpma.2016.v04.i02.p14, Alternate LINK

Title: Determinants Of Mortality Among Low Birthweight Infants During Hospitalization In Karangasem District Hospital

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Public Health and Preventive Medicine Archive

Publisher: DiscoverSys, Inc.

Authors: I.K. Duara, D.N. Wirawan, P.P. Januraga, A.A.S. Sawitri

Published: 2016-12-19

Everything You Need To Know

1

What exactly is considered low birth weight (LBW) and why is it a concern?

Low birth weight (LBW) is defined as a birth weight of less than 2500 grams, or approximately 5.5 pounds. LBW can significantly impact an infant's survival and long-term health, and is a major concern in places like Indonesia, where infant mortality remains a challenge.

2

What were the main risk factors for infant mortality identified in the Karangasem, Bali study?

According to a study conducted in Karangasem District Hospital, Bali, key factors include birth weight itself (where even a small increase can lower mortality risk), asphyxia (oxygen deprivation), Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), and issues within the referral systems for healthcare facilities. The study highlights that infants referred from other facilities had a higher mortality risk.

3

How does birth weight specifically impact the survival of low birth weight infants, according to the Karangasem study?

The Karangasem study demonstrated that a mere 50-gram increase in birth weight correlates with a lower risk of mortality for low birth weight infants. This underscores the significance of prenatal care and interventions that promote healthy fetal growth during pregnancy. It suggests that even incremental improvements in fetal development can have a tangible impact on survival rates.

4

Why is asphyxia such a critical risk factor for low birth weight infants?

Asphyxia, or oxygen deprivation, during birth is a major threat for low birth weight infants, significantly increasing their risk of death. This highlights the crucial need for improved monitoring during labor and delivery. Prompt and effective resuscitation techniques are essential to combat asphyxia and improve survival rates in these vulnerable infants.

5

How does Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) affect low birth weight infants, and what interventions are most important?

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a critical challenge for low birth weight infants, particularly those born prematurely. Access to specialized respiratory support and surfactant therapy is essential for improving survival rates in these infants. RDS often requires advanced medical intervention, making access to appropriate neonatal care facilities a crucial factor in determining outcomes for affected infants.

Newsletter Subscribe

Subscribe to get the latest articles and insights directly in your inbox.