Despite decades of research and prevention efforts, low birthweight (less than 2,500 grams, or 5 lbs., 8 ozs.) remains a major public health challenge. Preterm birth (before 37 weeks of gestation) is by far the most common reason for low birthweight (LBW), and trendlines for LBW tend to parallel those for preterm birth. Since 1990, the U.S. low-birthweight rate has increased by 19 percent, and the preterm birth rate has risen by 21 percent. From 2005 to 2006, the percentage of LBW births increased from 8.2 to 8.3 percent; the rate of preterm births increased from 12.7 percent to 12.8 percent (Hamilton, Martin & Ventura, 2007). This "KIDS COUNT Indicator Brief" describes five strategies that are essential to any plan aimed at reducing the rate of LBW births: (1) Expand access to medical and dental services, taking a lifespan approach to health care; (2) Focus intensively on smoking prevention and cessation; (3) Ensure that pregnant women get adequate nutrition; (4) Address demographic, social, and environmental risk factors; and (5) Support sustained research on the causes of LBW. (Contains 8 online resources.)