Remember, both parents are responsible for a healthy pregnancy. If you are a mom reading this, take the time to show this web site to your partner. Low birth weight is a serious issue that both parents need to be aware of.
Summary:
Make a conscious effort to eat healthy, get plenty of rest, avoid cigarette smoke & alcohol, and register for prenatal classes early in pregnancy. You will have a much better chance of delivering a healthy happy baby.
Women - Before a pregnancy
Strive for a healthy weight. Being underweight before pregnancy may lead to a higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. For more information about healthy weights before and during pregnancy, see Health Canada's Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy
Be smoke free. Smoking can affect your ability to conceive and have a healthy baby. Consider this "In the developed world, maternal smoking is the principle cause of low birth weight" (Health Canada, Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy, 1999)
Avoid second-hand smoke
Learn how to manage stress
Remember, it is best to avoid drinking any alcohol when trying to get pregnant
Avoid using "street drugs"
Get a medical check-up, including a check for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) before trying to conceive and get treatment if needed. Encourage your partner to do the same. STIs can affect your ability to conceive and during pregnancy, may put you at a higher risk for preterm labour
Seek help if you are experiencing abuse in your relationship
If you would like to find out more about planning for a healthy baby, including information about immunizations, or prescription and over-the-counter medications, immunizations, etc., you can:
Seek prenatal care early, as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed and keep regular appointments with your prenatal care provider
Consider attending early pregnancy classes - call the Public Health Info Line (PHIL) at 613-580-6744 for information about classes
Continue to eat according to Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating - talk to your prenatal care provider about your need for supplements, for example, folic acid and iron
Continue to be physically active, but don't push yourself beyond your comfort level For more information, visit the exercise and pregnancy page at www.ottawa.ca
In countries like Canada, the major cause of low birth weight is babies that are born preterm (that is before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy). In fact, about 70% of all low birth weight in this country is due to preterm birth (PTB). However, in developing countries, most low birth weight babies are born at term but did not grow well in the womb (in-utero). Even in Canada, a country with a good standard of living, 30% of babies who are born low birth weight happen because of growth problems during pregnancy.