Fourteen percent of Black babies born in Orange County, Florida, in 2022 were underweight, meaning they weighed less than 5.5 pounds at birth. Being born with low birth weight (LBW) doesn’t just mean the baby’s born small. Underweight babies have a higher risk of certain health issues, both when they’re born and later on in life. They’re often more susceptible to getting sick with infections like the flu, have a harder time eating or gaining weight, and require longer stays in the hospital before they can go home.

A lot of things can contribute to babies being born underweight — many of which are within your control. Here are five things you can do to lower your baby’s risk of being born with low birth weight.

BE AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE BEFORE YOU GET PREGNANT

Your baby makes a lot of important development milestones during the first few weeks of pregnancy, and they need your help to do it. Eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight are all great things to get your pregnancy off to a strong start.

QUIT DRINKING, SMOKING, OR TAKING DRUGS

Using tobacco, drugs, or alcohol can have a significant impact on your health and the health of your baby. If you think you might get pregnant — or you’ve just found out you’re expecting — talk to your doctor about quitting right away. There are resources available in Orange County that can help.

In some cases, your doctor might recommend cutting back or forgoing some prescription, over-the-counter, or alternative medicines, too. Talk to your doctor or midwife about any medications or herbal remedies you’re currently taking and before taking anything new.

GAIN A HEALTHY AMOUNT OF WEIGHT

Gaining weight during pregnancy is a good thing. It means your baby is getting what they need to grow. But gaining too much or too little can affect how your baby develops.

Talk to your doctor or midwife about how much weight you should gain throughout your pregnancy. They are the only ones who can tell you what would be healthy for you and your baby.
In general, the amount of weight you should gain during pregnancy is often based on your pre-pregnancy weight and body mass index (BMI). While it might be different for you and your situation, here’s the typical breakdown according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the CDC:

• Underweight (BMI under 18.5): 28–40 pounds
• Normal Weight (BMI 18.5–24.9): 25–35 pounds
• Overweight (BMI 25–29.9): 15–25 pounds
• Obese (BMI 30 and over) 11–20 pounds

GO TO YOUR PRENATAL VISITS

When you have a lot on your plate, going to your doctor or midwife every 1-4 weeks can start to feel like a chore. But showing up is one of the most important things you can do to protect your baby (and yourself!) during your pregnancy. Prenatal visits give your health care provider a chance to spot and address any issues early, as well as answer your questions or — at the very least — reassure you that all is well.

SPACE OUT YOUR PREGNANCIES

Having children too close together can up the chances of a baby being born underweight. That’s why health officials recommend giving yourself a little time between pregnancies to allow your body to recover. There’s no ideal amount of time to wait — that’s something every family chooses for themselves — but waiting at least 18-24 months before getting pregnant again can help lower your baby’s chances of being born too small or too early. After having a baby, talk to your doctor or midwife about what family planning method might work best for you.