Pregnancy and neonates: low birth weight
Indicator
The proportion of full-term births where the child has a low birth weight.
Indicator type
Network / system level indicator.
The indicator would be appropriate to understand and report on the performance of networks or systems of providers.
This document does not represent formal NICE guidance. For a full list of NICE indicators, see our menu of indicators.
To find out how to use indicators and how we develop them, see our NICE indicator process guide.
Rationale
Birthweight is a strong indicator of both maternal health and chances of survival, growth, long-term health and psychosocial development in newborn babies. High rates of low-birth-weight babies can suggest a need to improve antenatal care and health promotion during pregnancy.
Source guidance
Antenatal care. NICE guideline NG201 (2021)
Maternal and child nutrition. NICE guideline PH11 (2008, updated 2014)
Specification
Numerator: The number of babies in the denominator with a low birthweight (less than 2,500 g).
Denominator: The number of live births at term (greater than 36 weeks) with a recorded birthweight.
Calculation: Numerator divided by the denominator, multiplied by 100.
Exclusions: None.
Data source: NHS England Maternity Services Data Set.
Minimum population: The indicator would be appropriate to assess the performance of networks or systems of providers.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-5532-9