INFANT AND CHILDREN’S HEALTH

3. PERCENT OF LOW BIRTH-WEIGHT BABIES

Definition:  This indicator represents rates of live births where the newborn baby would be defined as a “low birth weight” baby.  Low birth weight is defined as less than 2,500 grams (5lb.8oz).

Significance: A baby born within the normal range of weight for that gestational age is known as appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Those born above or below that range have often had an unusual rate of development – this often indicates complications with the pregnancy that may affect the baby or its mother.[i]

Historical/Trend Analysis, Percent of Low Birth Weight Babies

Data reflect South Carolina (SC) average, United States (US) average, and Southeast (SE) average.  The southeast region consists of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Source:  National Center for Health Statistics, National Vital Statistics System

Selected State Rankings, 2008 (“1” represents state with highest percentage of “low birth-weight” babies.  Rankings reflect a standard competition ranking method that accounts for ties that result in two or more states having the same rank.)

Rev. 04.15.2011