low-birth-weight infant

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Word: Low-birth-weight infant

Definition: A "low-birth-weight infant" is a baby who is born weighing less than 5.5 pounds (which is about 2,500 grams). This can happen regardless of how many weeks the baby was in the mother's womb (the gestational age).

Explanation

When a baby is born, doctors check how much it weighs. Sometimes babies are smaller than normal when they are born, and we call these babies "low-birth-weight infants." These babies may have more health problems than larger babies, such as trouble getting enough oxygen during birth.

Usage Instructions

• You can use "low-birth-weight infant" when talking about health issues related to babies.
• It’s important to use this term in medical contexts or discussions about baby health.

Example Sentences

1. "The doctor said that the low-birth-weight infant might need special care in the hospital."
2. "Parents of low-birth-weight infants often receive advice on how to help their babies grow healthy."

Advanced Usage

In medical literature, you might see discussions about the causes of low-birth-weight infants, such as maternal health, nutrition, or complications during pregnancy.

Word Variants

• Low birth weight (noun): This can refer to the condition itself, not just the infant.
• Low-birth-weight (adjective): You can describe something as low-birth-weight, such as "low-birth-weight babies."

Different Meanings

In general usage, "low" means not high, and "weight" refers to how heavy something is. So, "low-birth-weight" literally means a weight that is on the lower side.

Synonyms

• Small-for-gestational-age infant
• Underweight infant

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "low-birth-weight infant," you might encounter phrases like: - "Born under a lucky star": This could be used to describe a baby who, despite challenges (like being low-birth-weight), survives and thrives.

Summary

A "low-birth-weight infant" is a small baby born weighing less than 5.5 pounds. These infants may need extra care due to health risks.

Academic

Noun

1. an infant born weighing less than 5.5 pounds (2500 grams) regardless of gestational age
   • a low-birth-weight infant is at risk for developing lack of oxygen during labor

Synonyms

• low-birth-weight baby