The health and well-being of infants is a key indicator for the health of a community. Infants with poor birth outcomes are at increased risk for health problems later in life. Accessing regular prenatal care beginning early in the first trimester of pregnancy increases the likelihood babies will be born at a healthy weight. Mothers age 18-19 or who are Laotian/Hmong are significantly less likely to receive prenatal care when compared to other ages or ethnic groups.

Nicotine negatively affects fetal development. Smoking tobacco or vaping nicotine products of any kind during pregnancy can increase the likelihood of a baby with underdeveloped lungs and low birth weight. It is estimated that use of these products while pregnant causes up to ten percent of all infant deaths.  The most important things a mother can do to prevent prematurity and low birth weight are to take prenatal vitamins, stop tobacco and nicotine use, stop drinking alcohol and using drugs, and getting prenatal care. The smoking rate during pregnancy is decreasing, but mothers younger than age 25 are smoking at a higher rate during pregnancy than other age groups. There has been a decrease in teen pregnancy over the past several years. 

Currently, there are not significant disparities in babies with low birth weight by maternal age or race of the mother in Marathon County. Overall, Marathon County has better birth outcomes when compared to state and national rates.