Question
How much weight should a preterm baby gain by one month to be considered normal?
Answer
The normal weight for preterm babies at birth should not exceed 2500 grams, and the head circumference should not exceed 33 centimeters. Some preterm babies who weigh more than 2500 grams but have poor organ function and adaptation compared to full-term infants still require special care. A low birthweight infant (small for gestational age, or SGA) refers to infants born with a weight below the 10th percentile of normal birthweight for their gestational age or below the mean by two standard deviations, due to factors such as inadequate placental function. Therefore, if a preterm baby only gains 1 jin and 2 liang by one month, it may be due to a lower birthweight and the need for a longer period of adaptation to the external environment. However, whether this is normal still requires further assessment. It is recommended that you consult with a doctor to obtain an accurate answer.