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Weight Loss Percentage Formula:
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Newborn weight loss percentage measures how much weight a newborn has lost compared to their birth weight. It's a crucial indicator of feeding adequacy and overall health in the first days of life.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the percentage of weight lost relative to the original birth weight.
Details: Monitoring weight loss in newborns is essential for assessing feeding effectiveness, identifying potential health issues, and ensuring proper growth and development. Excessive weight loss may indicate feeding problems or other medical concerns.
Tips: Enter birth weight and current weight in the same units (kg or lb). Ensure weights are accurate measurements. Typically, newborns lose 5-10% of their birth weight in the first week, with most regaining it by 2 weeks.
Q1: What is normal weight loss for a newborn?
A: Most newborns lose 5-10% of their birth weight in the first week. Losses greater than 10% may require medical evaluation.
Q2: When should I be concerned about weight loss?
A: Consult a healthcare provider if weight loss exceeds 10%, if the baby isn't regaining weight by 2 weeks, or if you have concerns about feeding.
Q3: How often should I weigh my newborn?
A: In the first weeks, weight checks are typically done at pediatric visits. Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for frequency.
Q4: Does weight loss percentage differ for breastfed vs formula-fed babies?
A: Breastfed babies may lose slightly more weight initially but typically follow similar patterns. Both should regain birth weight by about 2 weeks.
Q5: When should a newborn regain birth weight?
A: Most newborns regain their birth weight by 10-14 days of age. If this doesn't occur, consult with a healthcare provider.