Reproductive Health Program Reproductive Health Program

Phone:
  SLC area: (801) 538-9970

FAX:
  SLC area: (801) 538-9409

Mail:
  Reproductive Health Program
  P.O. Box 142001
  Salt Lake City UT
  84112-2001




Low Birth Weight in Utah

In 1997, Governor Michael O. Leavitt initiated a statewide volunteer effort, Utah's Promise.  One goal of this initiative is to "give Utah children a healthier start" that aims to reduce the number of low birth weight (LBW) babies born in Utah by ten percent.  This report is one of the Utah Department of Health's efforts in addressing the problem of LBW in the state. 

Report Highlights:

  • LBW is the birth of an infant weighing less than 2,500 grams
    (5 1/2 pounds)
  • LBW is an important cause of infant mortality and significant health problems
  • There are two known causes of LBW: preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation
  • Low birth weight is expensive, costing at least 6 times more than normal birth weight births

Report on Low Birth Weight in Utah
December 1999

Section I
Section II (Graphs and Charts)
Section III (Demographics)

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