The low birthweight rate is calculated as the number of births under 2500g per
expressed as a percentage of all live and still births where a birthweight is
recorded. In 2005 the rate has increased in Gateshead to the highest level since
1997 and Gateshead now has the highest rate in the Northumberland, Tyne &
Wear area. However, the rate is not significantly different to the rate for the North
East or England. Also the trend over time in Gateshead is static, as it is for both
the North East and England.
