The most common cause of low birth weight babies is -

Correct option is A

Ans. (a) Premature birth
Explanation:
Low Birth Weight (LBW) is defined as a birth weight of less than 2500 grams (2.5 kg), regardless of gestational age. The most common cause of LBW is premature birth (birth before 37 weeks of gestation), because:
· Preterm babies have less time in the womb for growth and weight gain.
· Organs and fat stores are underdeveloped, leading to LBW.
· The earlier the birth, the lower the weight.
Other Causes of Low Birth Weight:
✅ (b) Infection → Can contribute to LBW but is not the most common cause.
· Intrauterine infections (TORCH infections) can impair fetal growth.
· Maternal infections like malaria and syphilis increase LBW risk.
✅ (c) Anemia → Can cause LBW, but less common than prematurity.
· Iron-deficiency anemia in pregnancy can lead to fetal growth restriction (IUGR).
· Leads to placental insufficiency and poor oxygen supply to the fetus.
✅ (d) Diabetes → More commonly causes macrosomia (large baby), but poorly controlled diabetes can lead to growth restriction and LBW.