Number of U.S. Babies Born at Low-Birth-Weight is Rising

Low Birth Rates Increase to Highest Rates in 40 Years

There's a lot of other information in the article, so read carefully. Some put the blame on the economy, and while that surely shares part of the blame, I was happy to see that other causes of low birth weights were mentioned: multiple births, lack of prenatal care, and most especially, premature births caused by early, elective inductions. The article did not discuss the reasons these early inductions were done, but I find it interesting that as more and more women are being induced early -- or just having elective Cesareans before 39 weeks -- due to the worry of a "big baby" (>4,000 grams), the number of babies being born weighing less than 5.5 pounds is rising.

Maybe the March of Dimes is right when it recommends that babies should be left to gestate until they're as near term as possible.

If you're worried about a big baby, at least give yourself a chance to birth it; you might just be surprised what your body and baby can do when allowed to work together, without unnecessary interference.