Summary NSG 3332 Calculating Weight Loss in a Newborn

Example of Calculating Birth Weight with a Maximum of 10% Loss


When a baby is born, we know he can lose 5-10% of his birth weight and still be discharged due to high
water weight at birth. Therefore, it is not muscle mass loss but water weight loss. When calculating a loss
of weight, we need to calculate what is the maximum weight loss a baby can have and still be discharged
home. For example,
A baby weighs 7 lbs. 8 oz at birth. What is the minimum weight we can allow and let this baby be
discharged?

 7 lbs. are equal to 112 oz (7 lbs. x 16 oz to each lb.= 112 oz.
 Plus, the baby weighed an additional 8 oz at birth.
 Therefore, he weighed 120 oz (112 oz + 8 oz) at birth.
 7 lb. 8 oz = 120 oz (just saying the same thing differently)
 120 oz x 10% weight loss = 12 oz weight loss
 120 oz – 12 oz = 108 oz
 Calculate 108 oz to pounds & ounces
 108 oz divided by 16 oz (to 1 lb.) = 6.75 lbs.
 0.75 lbs. = 16 oz x 0.75 = 12 oz.
 THEREFORE, this baby could still be discharged if he weighed at least 6 lbs. 12 oz.

This is just a mathematical problem that you should be able to calculate if given a question about this.
You should know conversions and how to convert pounds to ounces as well as figure differences in
weight of a newborn for gain or loss.

Let me know if you have any questions.