Clinical Care Prevention & Treatment

Low birthweight

Percentage of infants weighing less than 2,500 grams (5 pounds, 8 ounces) at birth

About this data measure

  • A baby with low birthweight is born weighing less than 5 pounds 8 ounces. Some low birthweight babies experience serious health problems. (Source: March of Dimes)
  • Since 2015, the number of infants born at low birthweight in Rhode Island has been relatively unchanged.
  • The rate of low birth weight births among Black or African-American women increased between 2020 and 2021.
  • Since 2020, mothers ages 15-19 represent a higher percentage of low birth weight infants.

Measure Source: CDC, Natality public use data

Low birthweight over time

Low birthweight demographic breakout