1. What is Percentage Birth Weight Loss?

Percentage birth weight loss is a measure of how much weight a newborn has lost compared to their birth weight. It's particularly important for monitoring female infants in the early days after birth.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• Birth Weight — Initial weight at birth (kg)
• Current Weight — Current measured weight (kg)

Explanation: The formula calculates what percentage of the original birth weight has been lost.

3. Importance of Weight Loss Monitoring

Details: Monitoring weight loss in newborns is crucial as excessive weight loss can indicate feeding problems or other health issues that need intervention.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter birth weight and current weight in kilograms. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will show the percentage of weight lost since birth.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered normal weight loss after birth?
A: Typically, 5-7% weight loss in the first few days is normal, but losses exceeding 10% may require evaluation.

Q2: When should I be concerned about weight loss?
A: If weight loss exceeds 10% of birth weight or continues beyond the first week, consult a healthcare provider.

Q3: How often should weight be measured?
A: In the first week, daily weights are recommended to monitor progress, especially for breastfeeding infants.

Q4: Does this apply to all newborns?
A: While this calculator is designed for female infants, the principles apply to all newborns, though thresholds may vary.

Q5: When should weight regain begin?
A: Most infants should start regaining weight by day 4-5 and return to birth weight by 10-14 days.