Which factor may contribute to poor weight gain in preterm infants?

Inadequate nutritional support is a significant factor that can contribute to poor weight gain in preterm infants. These infants often have specific nutritional needs that exceed those of full-term infants due to their immature physiology and increased vulnerability. They may require higher caloric intake to support their rapid growth and development, especially since they are typically born before they have fully developed the reserves needed for survival.

When nutritional support is insufficient, whether it be through breast milk or formula, preterm infants may struggle to meet their energy requirements. This lack of adequate calories, proteins, and essential nutrients can lead to suboptimal weight gain, further compounding their health challenges. Therefore, ensuring that preterm infants receive appropriate nutritional interventions is critical for promoting healthy weight gain and overall growth.

The other factors listed, such as effective suck-swallow-breathe coordination, increased metabolic rate, and increased breastfeeding frequency, while relevant to the care of preterm infants, do not directly lead to poor weight gain as strongly as inadequate nutritional support does. Effective suck-swallow-breathe coordination is essential for oral feeding, and increased breastfeeding frequency can actually foster better intake when done correctly. The increased metabolic rate is a normal physiological response associated with preterm infants but does not inherently mean poor weight gain occurs if