Cuba: Sancti Spiritus Works to Reduce Low Birth Weight

Despite the increased birth rate and the diminution of babies born underweight in Sancti Spiritus in 2011, low birth rate is still a problem in this central Cuban territory. This year, 259 low weight babies have been so far born (40 less than in 2011). This year, 259 low weight babies have been so far born (40 less than in 2011), which places the province under the country’s national index of 5%. Nevertheless, pregnant women are always called not to disregard regular prenatal care as prevention against low birth weight. Specialists insist on the benefits of both diet and nutrition, even before pregnancy.

It is also important to keep diseases like diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure must be kept under control.

The preconceptional risk consultation is one of the strategic measures adopted at primary care in order to prevent low birth weight. In these consultations, the doctors can find out about risk factors than might lead to this problem such as age, smoking habits, alcohol and genetic factors, among others.