In NSW, the rate of low birthweight (less than 2,500 grams) in babies born to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander mothers was 10.7% in 2022. This is higher than the rate for babies born to non-Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander mothers, which was 6.4% in 2022. In contrast, the rate of babies born in NSW weighing 4,500 grams and greater was similar in babies born to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander mothers (1.4%) and babies born to non-Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander mothers (1.0%) in 2022.
Source: NSW Perinatal Data Collection (SAPHaRI). Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Ministry of Health.
Due to under-reporting of Aboriginal mothers to the Perinatal Data Collection, it is likely that the true numbers of mothers and babies are higher than shown. For more information refer to Estimated level of reporting. Table excludes 3,678 babies of mothers where the mother’s Aboriginality was not stated.