Question
What health risks may a full-term infant with a low birth weight, defined as a baby weighing less than 2500 grams at birth and with a gestational age between 37 to 42 weeks, face?
Answer
Infants classified as small for gestational age may be the result of intrauterine growth restriction. These infants, despite having reached full term, have lower postnatal growth capabilities and are more prone to congenital abnormalities such as meconium aspiration, hypothermia, polycythemia, hypoglycemia, and intrauterine infection. It is particularly noteworthy that these infants may experience delays or impairments in growth and development, neurological behavior, and intellectual development. Therefore, monitoring and appropriate medical intervention for full-term infants with low birth weight are crucial to ensure their healthy growth.