Did you know that stress can lead your baby to be born small, too soon?

A low birthweight baby weighs less than 2,500 grams, or 5 lbs, 8 ounces. A very low birthweight baby weighs less than 3 lbs., 5 ounces.

Those kinds of numbers put your baby at much greater risk of developmental delays, learning disabilities, behavior problems and hyperactivity. Children with those challenges may eventually have trouble in school, be hard to control at home or get involved with criminal activity.

So what can you do as a parent-to-be? Take care of yourself.

Take vitamins, such as folic acid.

Eat well, especially food rich in iron.

Visit your doctor regularly. Early and regular prenatal can help avoid problems later on. It can also detect them, so they can be treated early.

Please get help if you are homeless, using drugs or alcohol, need food assistance or struggling with a violence home life. Click here for information on financial assistance.

For help, call the following numbers:

• Pregnancy Helpline: 1-800-451-2229
• Parenting Hotline: 1-800-352-5683
• Healthy Beginnings: 1-888-634-7900