The 411 on Low Birth Weight and African-Americans

Why so many Black babies are born underweight.

The Health of Black Babies - Did you know that Black babies are more likely to be born premature and have lower birth weight compared to babies born to women from other races and ethnicities? Learn why this disparity exists and what we can do about it. —Kellee Terrell (Photo: ERproductions Ltd/Blend Images/Corbis)
What Is Low Birth Weight? - Low birth weight is a potentially serious condition when a baby is born smaller than 5 pounds and 8 oz. Most times (7 out of 10) this happens when a baby is born before 37 weeks. The earlier a baby is born, the smaller they most likely will be. Sometimes babies, regardless of when they are born, just don’t grow normally in the womb.  (Photo: FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images)
/content/dam/betcom/images/2012/07/Health/070312-health-newborn-baby-infant-premature.jpgComplications of Low Birth Weight - While a baby with low birth weight can be healthy, for those who aren’t, there can be serious complications. They include: Bleeding in the brain, heart problems, breathing issues, intestinal issues and eyes vessel issues. These babies may also be taken care of in the neo-natal unit. (Photo: ERproductions/Ltd/Getty Images)

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The Health of Black Babies - Did you know that Black babies are more likely to be born premature and have lower birth weight compared to babies born to women from other races and ethnicities? Learn why this disparity exists and what we can do about it. —Kellee Terrell (Photo: ERproductions Ltd/Blend Images/Corbis)

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