In this section, you will learn about how to classify and manage the problems associated with prematurity (preterm, born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) and low birth weight (a child who did not grow well enough in the uterus during pregnancy). Low birth weight babies are most likely to have to breathe, feeding medical and developmental problems, and they are susceptible to infection and die than babies with a birth weight of 2,500 grams or more. As a health extension worker, you assess and classify and give advice to the mother and refer the infant urgently to the hospital or health centre.

What is birth weight?:

Birth weight is the expected child weight at birth. Birth weight of a newborn can be the following:

Assess and classify birth weight and gestational age within seven days of life.

Ask and look:

Assess and classify birth weight and gestational age (within 7 days of life)

Signs Classify Treatment
Weight < 1500 grams or gestational age < 32 weeks. VERY PRETERM AND/OR VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT
  • Continue breastfeeding if the child can feed.
  • Advise the mother about kangaroo care( wrap the whole body with warm cloth including the head).
  • Advise the mother on the need for referral
  • Refer the baby URGENTLY together with the mother to health centre/hospital
Weight 1500 to < 2500 grams OR gestational age 32 < 37weeks PRETERM AND/OR LOW BIRTH WEIGHT
  • Provide kangaroo mother care for the newborn.
  • Counsel on optimal breastfeeding.
  • Counsel mother/family on prevention of infection.
  • Give Vitamin K 1mg IM on anterior mid thigh.
  • Provide 4 follow-up visits at age 6-24 hrs, 3 days, 7 days and then every week until the baby is 1 month.
  • Advise mother when to return immediately.
Weight ≥ 2500 grams AND gestational age ≥ 37 weeks TERM AND NORMAL WEIGHT
  • Counsel on optimal breastfeeding.
  • Continue kangaroo mother care.
  • Counsel mother/family on prevention of infection.
  • Give Vitamin K 1mg IM on anterior mid thigh.
  • Provide three follow-up visits at age 6-24 hrs, 3 days 7days and 6 weeks.
  • Advise the mother when to return immediately.