Being underweight or overweight at any point during your life is never a good idea, but prior to and during pregnancy your weight can have serious effects on your health and the health of your unborn baby.

Prior to becoming pregnant, you should calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine if you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. Once you have this information, you can start to take the appropriate steps that will help you achieve a healthy weight. A consistent exercise practice and a focus on healthy eating can both help you achieve your weight goals.

If you are currently pregnant, talk to your doctor about the appropriate amount of weight you should gain over the next nine months. Generally speaking, women with a normal pre-pregnancy weight should gain anywhere from 1 4.5 pounds during the entire first trimester, and 1 2 pounds per week during the second and third trimester. This equates to a caloric intake of 1,800 calories during the first trimester, 2,200 during the second trimester, and 2,400 during the third trimester. If you are underweight or overweight when you find out you are pregnant, your physician will work with you to achieve the optimal weight gain for a healthy pregnancy. Moms expecting multiples should also consult their OB/GYN to learn more about their specific weight gain recommendations.

Perinatal depression is the most common complication of childbirth. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that 14% 23% of women will suffer with symptoms of depression during pregnancy, and at least one in seven women (14%) will experience significant depression within the first year after childbirth. Approximately 6% of pregnant women and 10% of postpartum women will develop anxiety. While these statistics are alarming on their own, whats even more concerning is the fact that only 15% of women perinatal depression and anxiety will ever seek treatment.

Untreated depression during pregnancy has been associated with poor pregnancy and birth outcomes including maternal preeclampsia, low birth weight, smaller head circumferences, increased risk of premature delivery, increased surgical delivery interventions, lower APGAR scores, and a higher rate of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. If a woman experiences depression postpartum, her baby may experience long-term effects that include poor mother-infant attachment, delayed cognitive and linguistic skills, impaired emotional development, and behavioral issues.

Stressful life events are another issue that can have serious repercussions for women who are currently pregnant. Although we often cannot control these events (death of a family member, job loss, etc.) from happening, making sure that you have a good social support network and access to qualified mental health professionals can help ensure that you process the event appropriately, while continuing to focus on your prenatal health.

To find a mental health care provider near you, please visit Postpartum Health Alliances website.

If you are a NICU parent and want to connect with others who have experienced a similar situation, consider joining the Miracle Babies Parents Supporting Parents, a social support service.

Women who are pregnant with multiples (twins, triplets, or more!) are six times more likely to delivery prematurely. Genetics, age, assisted reproductive technology, and chance can all play a role in the likelihood of carrying multiples. Once you find out you are carrying more than one baby, your physician will talk to you about certain precautions you may need to take as you progress in your pregnancy. Additional ultrasounds, increased frequency of prenatal visits, possible need for a C-section, and early bedrest are all factors that may be discussed.

To learn more about the potential complications inherent in a multiples pregnancy, please visit the American Pregnancy Associations website.