Although the Texas Department of Health Services only reports one death in Brazos County from 1999 to 2004 due to childbirth, some new government figures show U.S. childbirth deaths are on the rise.

The 2004 figures were recently released by the National Center for Health Statistics, and show the numbers are up, but not by much.

"It's a slow increase. It hasn't been a big jump. It changed from 12 per 100,000 to 13 per 100,000," Dr. Margaret Appleton, an assistant professor at the Texas A&M Health Science Center and director of obstetrics and gynecology with Scott & White said. "A few years ago, it was 10 per 100,000."

The slight increase in childbirth deaths is attributed to several factors, including an increased Caesarian section rate and obesity in expectant mothers. Doctors say the two go hand in hand.

"The reason obesity is so important is it does increase your risk for having a C-section, but more importantly, it increases your risk during surgery," Appleton said, "so whether you have a C-section or any other type of surgery, you're at a much higher risk for blood clots, pneumonia and wound infection, which are three things that women die of if they have a maternal mortality after a C-section."

The new stats also find more women are giving birth in their late 30's and 40's when more complications can occur.

"High blood pressure, diabetes, more likely to be overweight, they're also at a higher risk for a C-section," Appleton said.

Doctors say the number of women having C-sections has also increased.

To maintain a healthy weight, experts say average weight women should gain anywhere from 25 to 30 pounds during pregnancy, while overweight women should keep weight gain between 20 to 25 pounds.

Experts say a little bit of exercise can do a world of good.

"It's just like your entire life. People who exercise regularly they are less likely to become obese, and they are less likely to have heart disease. They are less likely to have diabetes," Appleton said. "All of these things increase your risk for caesarian section."