Low birth weight babies tend to have poorer long term health. Figures for 2002-2004 show that at 7%, a significantly higher number of babies were low birth weight compared to the Welsh average of 5.9%
Births The table below shows the total number of births [both live births and still births] for Merthyr Tydfil for the years 1993 until 2001. For more information, click on the chart below. There has been a fall in the number of births since 1993 in Merthyr Tydfil. Low Birth Weight Low birth weight is defined as babies born (live and still births) weighing less than 2500g. The evidence of the link between low birth weight and poor lifestyle during pregnancy is strong. Specifically, low birth weight is associated with poor maternal general health, a low level of education, poor nutrition, alcohol consumption and smoking both pre-conception and during pregnancy. In addition, there is a growing body of evidence pointing to the link between low birth weight and chronic diseases such as diabetes and coronary heart disease in adulthood. The chart below shows the proportion of singleton low birth weight babies at Local Health Board level. The figures show that at 7%, a significantly higher number of babies were low birth weight compared to the Welsh average of 5.9%.
Births
The table below shows the total number of births [both live births and still births] for Merthyr Tydfil for the years 1993 until 2001. For more information, click on the chart below. There has been a fall in the number of births since 1993 in Merthyr Tydfil.
Low Birth Weight
Low birth weight is defined as babies born (live and still births) weighing less than 2500g. The evidence of the link between low birth weight and poor lifestyle during pregnancy is strong. Specifically, low birth weight is associated with poor maternal general health, a low level of education, poor nutrition, alcohol consumption and smoking both pre-conception and during pregnancy. In addition, there is a growing body of evidence pointing to the link between low birth weight and chronic diseases such as diabetes and coronary heart disease in adulthood.
The chart below shows the proportion of singleton low birth weight babies at Local Health Board level. The figures show that at 7%, a significantly higher number of babies were low birth weight compared to the Welsh average of 5.9%.
National Statistics Online
National Public Health Service
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