Specific Measure

Percentage of live births where children weigh 2,499 grams (5.51 lbs.) or less.

(Source: Authors' analysis of Centers for Disease Control data)

How does the US rank globally?

  • Specific Measure: Percentage of live births with babies weighing under 2,500 grams.
    (Source: Authors’ analysis of UNICEF data)
  • Percentage of countries the US outperforms: 50% (out of 101 countries)
  • International Rank Trend: Stable

National Trend Worsening

Chart of Low Birthweight national trend

For more information about data sources and treatments, download the Data Notes.