Low-Birthweight Baby: Born Too Soon or Too Small

Low birthweight, caused by premature birth, poor intrauterine growth, or both, is known to be a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality risks in the first year of life and beyond. It has to be born in mind, though, that premature infants may need different clinical and nutritional interventions and are at risk for different morbidities than those small for gestational age. This publication focuses on three main subjects: Global epidemiology, catch-up growth, and feeding practices. These topi