Trends in low birth weight: United States, 1975-85

National and regional trends in rates of low, moderately low, and very low birth weight are analyzed for the period 1975-85. Also reviewed are 1985 rates of low, moderately low, and very low birth weight in relation to a number of maternal and infant characteristics, as well as changes in low birth weight rates between 1980 and 1985 for many of these characteristics.