A report released shows newborns in Kentucky start life at a disadvantage compared to those born in the rest of the United States.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation found Kentucky has higher-than-average rates of low-birth weight babies, babies born pre-maturely, and percentage of babies born to teenage mothers.

Doctors say things like premature birth often lead to problems later in life.

“Later on when they grow they have problems like attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, they do not do very well in school,” Dr. Kanta Arya said.

Doctors say the most important things expectant mothers can do to prevent these conditions are getting regular pre-natal care, avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs.