Pregnancy and Underweight Babies: Understanding Causes and the Importance of Neonatal Care

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The arrival of a baby is always a moment of joy, but sometimes, this joy comes with unexpected challenges. One such challenge faced by many families is when a newborn is underweight at birth. While the average healthy baby usually weighs between 2.5 to 3.5 kilograms, some babies are born significantly smaller, requiring extra care and attention.

At Prayosha Hospital, Silvassa, this sensitive journey is supported with compassion and expertise. Dr. Khyati Sunildatt Daru, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, ensures that mothers receive the best possible prenatal care, while Dr. Sunil Datt P. Daru, Pediatrician and Neonatologist, specializes in managing underweight and premature babies, giving them the best start to life.

Why Do Some Babies Have Low Birth Weight?

An underweight baby, medically termed as having “low birth weight,” can be the result of several factors:

Maternal Health Conditions: Issues such as high blood pressure, anemia, thyroid problems, or infections during pregnancy can affect fetal growth.

Lifestyle Factors: Poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol, or lack of prenatal care may increase the risk.

Pregnancy Complications: Multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets), placental problems, or premature birth often result in smaller babies.

Genetic Factors: In some cases, family history also plays a role in determining the baby’s birth weight.

While these causes can sound worrying, the good news is that with early detection and the right care, most underweight babies can grow into healthy children.

The Role of Neonatal Care

Low birth weight babies often need special attention in the first few days or weeks of life. This is where neonatal care becomes crucial. At Prayosha Hospital, Dr. Sunil Datt ensures that such babies receive:

Temperature Regulation: Underweight babies are more prone to hypothermia and need a warm, controlled environment.

Nutritional Support: Some may require special feeding methods or nutritional supplements to gain weight steadily.

Infection Prevention: Their immunity is often weaker, so careful monitoring and hygiene are essential.

Close Monitoring: Regular checks of weight, breathing, and vital functions help track progress and prevent complications.

How Prayosha Hospital Makes a Difference

Prayosha Hospital combines advanced infrastructure with personalized care. Expectant mothers under Dr. Khyati’s guidance receive regular prenatal check-ups, dietary advice, and early interventions to reduce risks of underweight babies. After delivery, Dr. Sunil’s neonatal expertise ensures that even the tiniest newborns are cared for with precision and compassion.

Parents are also guided on how to care for their underweight baby at home, with regular follow-ups to ensure steady growth and development. This complete circle of care—from pregnancy to postnatal support—makes the hospital a trusted destination for families in Silvassa.

A Message of Hope

Having an underweight baby can be overwhelming for parents, but it doesn’t define the child’s future. With modern neonatal care and the dedication of experts like Dr. Khyati and Dr. Sunil at Prayosha Hospital, most babies go on to thrive and reach their milestones like any other child.

At Prayosha Hospital, every newborn, no matter how small, is given a strong foundation for a healthy tomorrow.

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