The Effects of Maternal Smoking and Alcohol Use on the Unborn Child

The Effects of The Effects of Maternal Smoking and Maternal Smoking and

Alcohol Use on the Unborn ChildAlcohol Use on the Unborn Child

When a mother When a mother drinks, her unborn drinks, her unborn child is exposed to child is exposed to

alcohol.alcohol.

When a mother When a mother smokes, her smokes, her

unborn child is unborn child is exposed to the exposed to the

effects of tobacco.effects of tobacco.

How is Alcohol Related toHow is Alcohol Related toBirth Defects?Birth Defects?

Fetal Alcohol SyndromeFetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)(FAS) characterized by characterized by

1.1. central nervous system problems central nervous system problems 2.2. low birth weight and heightlow birth weight and height3.3. typical facial featurestypical facial features

Facial Features ofFacial Features ofFetal Alcohol Syndrome are:Fetal Alcohol Syndrome are:

• Small eyelid openingsSmall eyelid openings• Short, upturned noseShort, upturned nose• Long upper lip (from nose Long upper lip (from nose

to mouth) with a thin red to mouth) with a thin red border and a deficient border and a deficient central groovecentral groove

• Reduced size of the headReduced size of the head

NormalNormal FASFAS

MATERNAL ALCOHOL ABUSE IS MATERNAL ALCOHOL ABUSE IS THE LEADING KNOWN CAUSE OF THE LEADING KNOWN CAUSE OF

MENTAL RETARDATION.MENTAL RETARDATION.

Children with alcohol-related Children with alcohol-related birth defects typically have:birth defects typically have:

• attention deficitsattention deficits• language difficultieslanguage difficulties• learning disabilitieslearning disabilities• impulsive behaviorimpulsive behavior• poor judgmentpoor judgment

The The amount and amount and timing of maternal timing of maternal

alcohol use alcohol use determine the type determine the type

and extent of and extent of birth defects.birth defects.

How much is too much???How much is too much???

NO ONE KNOWS WHAT A NO ONE KNOWS WHAT A ““SAFE” AMOUNT OFSAFE” AMOUNT OF

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION DURING PREGNANCYDURING PREGNANCY

MAY BE.MAY BE.

Even light drinking could harm the fetus.Even light drinking could harm the fetus.

How is Tobacco Use During Pregnancy Related to Poor

Birth Outcomes?

How is Tobacco Use During Pregnancy Related to Poor

Birth Outcomes?

Tobacco use is extremely harmful during pregnancy.•Could cause ectopic pregnancy•Could cause fetal death•Babies often born smaller (lower birth weight) •Babies more likely to die of SIDS•Babies more likely to suffer from asthma/respiratory diseases

Smoking during pregnancy . . . •Exposes baby to nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar•Lessens the amount of oxygen baby gets•Can damage the baby’s lungs

Secondhand Smoke is Also Dangerous

Secondhand Smoke is Also Dangerous

If a pregnant woman breathes smoke from someone else’s cigarette, her baby is more likely to be born at low birth weight.

Why take a chance?Why take a chance?

Avoid alcohol and tobacco to have the healthiest baby possible.