Prevention of low birth weight – Direct and Indirect Interventions

• Low Birth Weight (LBW) is an important cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity
• Experts suggest that the incidence of LBW can be decreased to no more than 10% all over the world by proper intervention

Direct interventions:

• Direct interventions aim to address the immediate causes of low birth weight
  • Malnutrition – Food supplementation, food fortification, Iron and folic acid tablets
  • Infections – Early diagnosis and treatment
  • Heavy work load during pregnancy – Ensure adequate rest for pregnant women
  • Frequent pregnancies – Birth spacing

Indirect interventions:

• Indirect interventions to decrease incidence of Low Birth Weight include:
  • Cessation of smoking and avoiding exposure to passive smoking
  • Improved sanitation
  • Improved health and nutrition of adolescent girls