Reasons why premature babies do not gain weight

For newborns, weight is the most direct factor that reflects their development level. Although the growth rate of babies varies from person to person, there are certain standards for weight gain in babies at different stages. Only when this weight standard is reached can the baby be considered healthy. However, many premature babies have the problem of not gaining weight, which may be caused by feeding factors, disease factors or psychological factors.

Weight is a clinical indicator for observing the nutritional status of children. A normal full-term baby's weight can increase by 1 to 1.5 kg in the first month after birth, and its weight will be about twice that at birth three months after birth. According to the general rules of child development, the minimum limit of a child's monthly weight gain is: the normal growth value from 0 to 6 months is ≥ 600 grams/month; the normal growth value from 6 to 12 months is ≥ 300 grams/month. If the monthly gain is less than this standard for two consecutive months, the doctor will consider the child's weight gain to be insufficient.

2. Reasons why premature babies do not grow taller

1. Feeding factors

Improper feeding is the main reason for insufficient weight gain in babies. Insufficient breast milk or improper formula feeding, unreasonable feeding amount and feeding time, poor digestion and absorption of the baby, etc. can all affect weight, and even cause weight stagnation or even decrease. Therefore, parents should adjust the feeding method in time.

If your baby has had pneumonia, diarrhea, or is currently suffering from indigestion, recurrent respiratory infections, etc., it may also lead to temporary stagnation or even weight loss. To find out the real reason why your baby is not gaining weight, you need to understand your baby's feeding history and medical history, and conduct corresponding examinations, so it is recommended that you take your baby to see a doctor to find out the cause.

3. Psychological factors

Some children eat well, consume enough, sleep well, and are not sick, but their weight is still unsatisfactory. At this time, we should consider whether the child lacks maternal care and appropriate stimulation, such as: touching, kissing, teasing, playing, talking, etc. These are indispensable parts of a child's normal development. The quiet environment often makes children feel bored, and some children will cry. Children who have been accustomed to this environment since birth often show poor weight gain.

A child's weight reflects his or her recent nutritional status and is the basis for his or her intellectual development. If a child has poor weight gain, it will affect his growth rate and his growth potential at this stage will not be fully expressed, and this loss is irreparable for the child. Therefore, it is recommended that parents actively look for the reasons for poor weight gain and correct them in a timely manner.