Newborn babies weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (2,500 grams) are
considered to be low birthweight and have a higher risk of serious health
problems and cognitive disabilities. Low income, lack of education, smoking and
poor nutrition are associated with increased risk of having a low birthweight
baby.
According to the CDC’s preliminary National Vital Statistics Report for
2007, 8.2% of newborn babies in the United States are of low birthweight
(Source: CDC, National Center for Health Statistics, National Vital Statistics
Reports, Vol. 57, No. 12, pg. 4, March 18, 2009).
In 2007, Pinellas County’s low birthweight births (789) accounted for 8.4%
of total births, slightly less than Florida’s average of 8.7%.
For youths 15-17, low birthweight births represented 11.7% of total
resident births in this age group.
Between 2005-07, the average number of low birthweight births per 100
resident live births in Pinellas County was 8.4, a slight increase from prior
years.
Overall, the number of low birthweight births per 100 resident live
births has been relatively stable.
However, the rate for non-whites is almost double that of whites.
During
2005-07, the rate of low birthweight births per 100 resident live
births for Pinellas County was below the state average and other
counties of similar size.
