How to Prevent Low and Very Low Birth Weight Birth weight is how much your baby weighs at birth. Your baby will be weighed shortly after he or she is born. Average birth weight is 5.5–9 lb (2.5–4 kg). Low birth weight means that a newborn weighs less than 5.5 lb (2.5 kg). Very low …
How to Prevent Injuries During Pregnancy Injuries can happen during pregnancy. Minor falls and accidents usually do not harm you or your baby. But some injuries can harm you and your baby. Tell your doctor about any injury you suffer. What can I do to avoid injuries? Safety Remove rugs and loose objects on the …
How to Prevent Illegal Drug Use During Pregnancy While you are pregnant, everything that you take into your body affects you and your baby. Illegal drug use during pregnancy is dangerous for your health and your baby’s health. Illegal or street drugs are never safe to use during pregnancy. This includes drugs such as: Cocaine. MDMA, also …
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How to Prevent Birth Defects with Folic Acid What is folic acid? Folic acid is a vitamin that is used by the body to create new cells and keep the blood healthy. Everyone needs folic acid to stay healthy. It is especially important if you are pregnant. Folic acid is artificial (synthetic). The vitamin in …
How to Prevent Birth Defects During Pregnancy Birth defects (congenital malformations) occur when part of a baby’s body does not grow or develop correctly during pregnancy. The most common birth defects are defects of the heart, brain, spine, spinal cord (neural tube defects), and Down syndrome. Some birth defects have little impact on your baby …
Preterm Labor and Birth Information Pregnancy normally lasts 39–41 weeks. Preterm labor is when labor starts early. It starts before you have been pregnant for 37 whole weeks. What are the risk factors for preterm labor? Preterm labor is more likely to occur in women who: Have an infection while pregnant. Have a cervix that …
How to Prepare for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) is giving birth vaginally after previously delivering a baby through a cesarean section (C-section). You and your health are provider will discuss your options and whether you may be a good candidate for VBAC. What are my options? After a cesarean …