1. What is Weight Loss Percentage?

The weight loss percentage calculation measures how much weight a newborn has lost compared to their birth weight. This is an important metric in neonatal care to monitor adequate nutrition and growth.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( \text{birth weight} \) — Newborn's weight at birth (grams)
• \( \text{current weight} \) — Newborn's current weight (grams)

Explanation: The formula calculates the percentage of weight lost relative to the original birth weight.

3. Importance of Monitoring Weight Loss

Details: Monitoring weight loss in newborns is crucial as excessive weight loss may indicate feeding problems, dehydration, or other health issues that require medical attention.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is normal weight loss for a newborn?
A: Most newborns lose 5-7% of their birth weight in the first few days, and up to 10% may be normal for breastfed babies.

Q2: When should I be concerned about weight loss?
A: Consult a pediatrician if weight loss exceeds 10% of birth weight or if the baby isn't regaining weight by day 5.

Q3: How often should newborns be weighed?
A: Typically at birth, then at 24-72 hours after birth, and at the first pediatric visit (3-5 days old).

Q4: When do newborns regain birth weight?
A: Most regain birth weight by 10-14 days of age, though some may take longer.

Q5: Does weight loss differ for premature babies?
A: Yes, premature infants may lose more weight (10-15%) and take longer to regain it.