Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 9: Despite impressive strides in medical science and economic growth, India continues to grapple with a high prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) babies—posing long-term health risks for future generations.

Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) 2019-20 reveals that 17.29% of Indian newborns are born with low birth weight, surpassing the global average of 15.5%. Of these, around 6% weigh less than 1,500 grams. While institutional deliveries have increased to 88.6% and early antenatal care coverage has reached 70%, experts say such gains have not translated into significant reductions in LBW rates since 2014-15.

Health specialists attribute this stagnation to several factors most notably, socioeconomic inequality, poor nutrition, early pregnancies, and inadequate mental health support for expectant mothers. “Teenage pregnancies, lack of education, and poor access to antenatal care increase the likelihood of LBW,” experts observe.

LBW infants are highly vulnerable to life-threatening conditions like hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and respiratory difficulties, besides facing long-term risks of neurological disorders and chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular issues in adulthood.

Nutrition emerges as a critical factor. The foetus is entirely dependent on the mother for nutrients essential for organ and skeletal development. Deficiencies in macronutrients like proteins and fats, and micronutrients like iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and folate can lead to developmental delays and LBW. “Maternal undernutrition has lasting impacts not just at birth but well into adulthood,” say doctors, linking it to increased risks of obesity, diabetes, and poor cognitive development.

Meanwhile, the mental health of pregnant women remains a neglected area. Experts warn that stress, anxiety and depression during pregnancy increase cortisol levels, which can harm fetal brain development and lead to behavioural issues later in life. “The effects of maternal depression can persist beyond birth, affecting bonding, emotional development, and social skills,” say psychologists.

In response, the Indian government has launched several programmes, including Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, RMNCAH+N, POSHAN Abhiyaan, and ICDS, aimed at improving nutrition and reducing maternal healthcare costs.

However, experts argue that hospital-based care must be complemented by community-driven psychosocial support and early intervention. “We need to treat maternal mental health as vital as physical health,” health professionals stress.

With India’s share of LBW babies among the highest globally, public health officials call for a comprehensive strategy combining nutrition, mental well-being, and universal access to quality antenatal care to ensure healthier births and brighter futures.