Underweight babies hit highest rate, aided by poverty

Mississippi, South Carolina, Louisiana among the worst

By STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
Published on: 06/12/08

The percentage of underweight babies born in the United States has increased to its highest rate in 40 years, with Georgia ranking seventh from the bottom in delivering healthy infants, according to a new report that also documents a recent rise in the number of children living in poverty.

The data on low birth weights is troubling because such babies — those born at less than 5.5 pounds — are at greater risk of dying in infancy or experiencing long-term disabilities.