Giving Birth in Canada : Regional Trends From 2001-2002 to 2005-2006
Printer-friendly versionCanadian Institute for Health Information
After declining for a number of years, the number of underweight babies born in Canadian hospitals began to increase in 2001-2002, steadily growing from 5.7% of births to 6.2% of births in 2005-2006, or one in every 16 babies. These low birth weight babies often spend a long time in hospital and may experience lifelong complications and challenges. A new analysis available today from the Canadian Institute for Health Information also looks at these low birth weight rates, along with C-section rates, epidural use and assisted delivery rates at a national, provincial and health region level.
The Canadian Women's Health Network and the Centres of Excellence for Women's Health program are financially supported by Health Canada through the Women's Health Contribution Program. The views herein do not necessarily represent the official policy of Health Canada.