Quick ?: What is lowest viable birth weight?

BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN · Jul 1, 2005

It depends.....the lowest I have seen was 360 gms....very severe IUGR. I've seen many different ages that were IUGR, so to put an actual number onto it would be hard. Usually, under 500 isn't viable, but like I said...depends on the circumstances.

babynurselsa, RN · Jul 1, 2005

Most NICU equipment, ETT, umbilical lines etc... drug protocols and such set a cut off of 500gms. smallest I have ever taken care of that survived weighed 400gm.

mitchsmom · Jul 1, 2005

Thanks for the info! :)

NurseforPreggers · Jul 1, 2005

I've always heard 500 gms

BabyNurse513 · Jul 1, 2005

The patient I have been taking care of all week was born at 363 grams, 2 months ago.

dawngloves, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2005

It usually more like weight and gestation. A sever IUGR baby born @ 27 weeks, but 400 gms is considerd viable. 400 grams and 23 weeks is not viable. Follow me? When you hear about the smallest baby to survive they are usually IUGR pts.

OBRN2004 · Jul 1, 2005

About 7-8 weeks ago, we delivered a 25 week severe IUGR at 370 g. The baby is actually doing quite well. He had his PDA closed surgically at 5 weeks and had no complications. No brain bleeds to date. And he now weighs 2 lbs 7 oz and eating well. This is the best that I have heard of.

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 1, 2005

This is a good question to ask the NICU forum members. THEY are the experts!

(I have heard "generally" 500g, but as you see, exceptions exist!)

mitchsmom · Jul 2, 2005

I forgot about the NICU forum! :)

Gompers, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2005

From what I understand, the "new" guidelines for viability is now 400 grams and 23 weeks.

Now, the 400 grams I agree with, because like others have said, there have been some IUGR babies who were even under 300 grams that survived and have done well because they were more mature (usually like 28 weeks or so).

The 23 weeks part...I totally don't agree with it. NEVER saw a 23 weeker do well in the long run. 24 weeks, maybe 1 in 5 kids I've seen do amazing, are normal children running around and enjoying the summertime as I type this. The other 80% seem to have varying levels of problems, ranging from learning disabilities, small developmental delays, mild CP only requiring ankle splints...to being trached, vented, nursing home, etc.

Smallest I took care of was 370 grams who dropped to 270 in his first week.

OBRN2004 · Aug 30, 2005

About 7-8 weeks ago, we delivered a 25 week severe IUGR at 370 g. The baby is actually doing quite well. He had his PDA closed surgically at 5 weeks and had no complications. No brain bleeds to date. And he now weighs 2 lbs 7 oz and eating well. This is the best that I have heard of.

Just a little update . . . This family came by to see us last night! The baby went home 2 weeks ago. He is 3.5 months old and now weighs 4 lbs. 15.5 oz. Head is still clear, but his eyes are being watched closely since he is still requiring O2. Anyway, he and his family are doing great. It was unbelievably awesom to hold him last night. I honestly felt like I was holding one of God's Little Miracles. Sorry, just so excited he is doing so well! ( I wish I could smile bigger than this!!!!)