10. Poor Weight Gain: The Silent Setback
Growth is a fundamental aspect of infancy, a tangible testament to health and well-being. Among the myriad of milestones, steady weight gain stands out. However, a persistent lag in this area, especially in the context of NEC, becomes a subtle yet significant signal of underlying issues.
At the core, weight gain is a balance between calorie intake and expenditure. For newborns, this equation is mostly about milk consumption and growth. NEC, however, throws a wrench into this mechanism. The inflammation affects nutrient absorption in the intestines. Thus, even if the baby is feeding adequately, they might not be gaining the expected weight.
Unraveling the science behind this, the intestines are a maze of tiny villi, finger-like projections that absorb nutrients. NEC-induced inflammation can damage these villi, reducing their efficiency. It’s like a field with damaged crops, unable to yield the expected produce.
Moreover, the energy used to combat inflammation diverts from growth. It’s a silent diversion, where resources meant for development get rerouted to manage internal chaos. The outcome is a plateau or decline in weight, despite regular feeding.
The realization that a baby isn’t gaining weight as expected can be disheartening. However, in the broader narrative of NEC, it serves as a vital clue. It emphasizes the need to look beyond the obvious, to delve into the layers, and to recognize the silent battles a baby might be facing. (10)
