P07: Disorders related to short gestation and low birth weight, not elsewhere classified

P07.0: Extremely low birth weight

Extremely low birth weight is a condition that occurs when a newborn weighs significantly less than the normal weight, specifically less than 1000 grams or 2.2 pounds, at birth. This usually happens when a baby is born prematurely, before 28 weeks of gestation. The primary concern is that vital organs like the brain, lungs, and heart might not have had enough time to develop fully, which can result in various health issues. Signs of this condition in a newborn include a smaller size than normal for the gestational age, presence of fine body hair called lanugo, a thin, transparent appearance of the skin, and lower body temperature. Complications may include breathing difficulties, bleeding into the brain, infections, digestive issues, and difficulty in maintaining body temperature due to lack of fat.