Newborn babies weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (2,500 grams) are considered to be low birth weight and have a higher risk of serious health problems and cognitive disabilities. Low income and lack of education are associated with increased risk of having a low-birth weight baby.

• According to the CDC’s National Vital Statistics Report for 2005, 8.2% of newborn babies in the United States are of low birth weight (Source: CDC, National Center for Health Statistics, National Vital Statistics Reports, Vol. 56, No. 6, pg. 21, December 5, 2007).
   
• In a typical year in Pinellas County, there are approximately 40 low birth weight births to youths under the age of 18.
   
• 93% of these births are accounted for by individuals 15-17 years old.
   
• Between 2000-2006, the average number of low birth weight births per 100 resident births in Pinellas County was 11.8.
   
• The downtrend in the rate of low birth weight births per 100 resident births reversed in 2005 increasing to a new multi-year high in 2006. The increase was concentrated among nonwhites. Because the number of births is small, the rate can be somewhat volatile.
   
• The rate among resident nonwhites was 16.0, twice the rate for whites.
   

• During the 2000-2006 period, the rate of low birth weight births per 100 resident births for Pinellas County was very close to the state average and other counties of similar size, except Orange County.

Funded Agencies:

Department of Health (DOH) – Healthy Families
 

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