The determination of the percentage change in an infant’s weight from birth is a common practice in neonatal care. This involves subtracting the current weight from the birth weight, dividing that difference by the birth weight, and then multiplying by 100 to express the result as a percentage. For example, an infant born weighing 3500 grams who now weighs 3300 grams has experienced a weight loss of approximately 5.7%.
Accurately quantifying this change is crucial for assessing the newborn’s hydration status, nutritional intake, and overall health. Understanding the expected range of weight fluctuation within the first few days of life helps clinicians differentiate between normal physiological adjustments and potential underlying problems requiring intervention. Historically, monitoring weight changes has been a primary method for identifying infants at risk for dehydration or insufficient caloric intake.
