Babies born at a low birth weight are associated with detrimental health risks that last a lifetime. On average, in the United States, one out of every twelve babies is born at a low birth weight. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make sure that your baby is born at a healthy weight.

Mothers with chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, are at an increased risk of having babies born with low birth weight. Infections, issues with the placenta, having delivered a previously low-birth-weight baby, and not gaining enough weight during pregnancy are other indicators a mother-to-be might be at increased risk. Easy things pregnant people can do for a healthy delivery include not drinking alcohol, not smoking, and not using any street or prescription drugs.

Prenatal care is key in delivering a healthy baby. This means regular checkups and screenings, but it also includes receiving nutritional counseling, monitoring your weight gain, eating a healthy diet and engaging in appropriate exercise.

Everyone’s pregnancy is different, and there is no exact amount of weight every woman should gain. The best thing someone can do is talk to a doctor about how much weight to gain and what dietary changes to make.

Generally, your body needs an extra 300 to 500 calories during the last two trimesters.  Consuming more vitamins and minerals are pivotal in enhancing the health of your baby.

Calcium and protein are especially important. You can get this from meats, beans, dairy products, and leafy greens. Click here for more information on what type of foods are best to eat during pregnancy.

Exercising during pregnancy improves the health of you and your baby. Swimming, walking, indoor cycling, low-impact aerobics, and other low-impact exercises are all excellent and safe exercises you can do while pregnant. However, you should talk to your doctor about an exercise plan that’s right for you.

Low birth weight is a risk of pregnancy that can be mitigated with consistent prenatal care. The best thing you can do for your health and the health of your baby is talk to your doctor about a prenatal plan that’s right for you.