Infants born less than 5.5 pounds (2,500 grams) are considered low birthweight (LBW). The two main reasons for LBW births are pre-term birth (<37 weeks gestation) and fetal growth restriction. LBW babies have a higher risk of infections, breathing problems, developmental disabilities, and serious health conditions later in life. In Montgomery County, the majority of infant deaths are from babies being born too early and too small. 

Though there has been a slight decrease in the LBW rate, a racial disparity still exists with the Black LBW rate being nearly twice that of the White LBW rate (Blacks 15.0% vs. Whites 8.1%). 

Factors likely contributing to this decline are the decrease in women smoking during pregnancy (8.6% in 2019 to 5.7% in 2022) and the increase in inadequate prenatal care (73.5% in 2019 to 76.3% in 2022). But the percentage of births with an interpregnancy interval of less than 18 months is unchanged (32.3% in 2019 to 32.5% in 2022) and the percentage of pregnancies with an STD/Hepatitis infection present increased (11.8% in 2019 to 12.8% in 2022) - both of which are risk factors for LBW and pre-term births.