Low maternal weight gain. When a pregnant woman doesn't gain enough weight, she places her baby at a risk second only to that of smoking. Personal beliefs as well as outdated medical advice may lead a woman to limit her weight gain. Adolescents may eat less in an attempt to conceal pregnancy. Compared with white mothers, more African American mothers gain too little weight during pregnancy.
Many infants die as a direct result of their mothers' inadequate diets.
While WIC could help, many women do not take advantage of this service, assuming a doctor's order is required, or that pregnant women are not eligible. Other women may not realize the importance of a nutritious diet on their baby's development. Late prenatal care. Early and regular prenatal care significantly lowers the risk of infant mortality. Fewer African American women get into care during their first trimester.