True or false: Babies born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces are considered low birth weight.

Babies born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces are indeed classified as low birth weight. This classification is important in maternal and neonatal health because low birth weight can be associated with a range of complications and health risks for the infant. This threshold is established by the World Health Organization and is used universally to monitor health outcomes in both mothers and infants.

Low birth weight can result from a variety of factors, including prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction, or maternal health issues. Therefore, the classification is tied to birth weight alone, rather than being contingent on whether the infant is premature or has specific maternal-related issues. Understanding this classification aids in the identification of at-risk newborns, which is crucial for ensuring they receive the appropriate care and interventions post-delivery.