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AVOIDING DANGERS TO THE BABY
EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS ON PREGNANCY
Mother-to-be has a big responsibility throughout pregnancy
Good prenatal care is avoiding hazards Alcohol Drugs Smoking X-rays Chemicals Other substances infections
EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS ON PREGNANCY
Researchers and doctors believe that drugs consumed during pregnancy are a major cause for birth defects linked to environmental factors
These drugs include: Alcohol Prescription and over-the-counter medicines Caffeine Nicotine Illegal drugs, such as heroin, LSD, ecstacy, etc. Inhalants
ALCOHOL
Alcohol is a drug Small amount of alcohol can harm the
developing baby Doctors recommend women consume
no alcohol while trying to become pregnant and during pregnancy
ALCOHOL
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) – incurable condition found in some children of mothers who consumed alcohol during pregnancy Includes wide range of physical and mental disabilities 1 in 5 babies born with FAS does not live to see first
birthday Delayed physical growth Heart, liver, or kidney defects Hyperactivity Facial deformity Some are mentally retarded
ALCOHOL
Difficulties with learning, attention, memory, or problem solving
Interfere with tissue growth and development Poor coordination and difficulty controlling behavior
Some children may suffer from fetal alcohol effects Abnormalities caused by consuming alcohol while
pregnant Suffer from same problems, but to a lesser degree
Extent of damage to child is related to amount of alcohol consumed and stage of pregnancy
PRESCRIPTION AND OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS
Expectant mother should check with doctor before taking any medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements
First three months of pregnancy are the most critical because body systems are being formed
Chemicals found in some medications can cause severe harm Include prescription and OTC Even antacid can harm a fetus
PRESCRIPTION AND OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS
In 4th through 9th months, harmful substances may cause slow growth, infections, and bleeding at birth
Medicines that are not necessary should be avoided!
No drug is completely safe to use during pregnancy
CAFFEINE
Caffeine is in coffee, tea, cocoa, and most soft drinks
Also in some foods and OTC medications
Caffeine is a drug Can increase fetal heart rate and
movement Large amounts increase risks of
miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth rate
Also high risks of infant death
CAFFEINE
Babies born with low birth weight can have serious health problems and greater risks of long-term problems
Caffeine can take fluid and calcium out of the body and interfere with the absorption of iron
Caffeine also makes you feel full, which can interfere with proper nutrition
TOBACCO
Nicotine is harmful to the health of any person
Especially harmful to baby’s development Low birth weight Premature birth Linked to respiratory infections and
allergies Secondhand smoke has similar effects
ILLEGAL DRUGS
Should never be used, especially for expectant mothers
Mother usually passes on addiction to baby through the bloodstream
Newborns may suffer throughout their lives Go through period of withdrawal, those who
survive have uncertain future Many children have learning and behavioral
disorders
ILLEGAL DRUGS
Cocaine proven to increase the risk Miscarriage Stillbirth or premature birth May cause unborn child to have stroke
Stroke can cause brain damage, heart attack, birth defects, or death
Low birth weight Smaller heads Risk of seizures and sudden infant death
syndrome (SIDS)
ILLEGAL DRUGS
Tremors Exaggerated startle response Sleeping and feeing problems Irritability Developmental delay
ILLEGAL DRUGS
Marijuana and Methamphetamine Low birth weight Premature delivery Breathing difficulties Poor attention span Drowsiness Heart defects
Ecstasy Heart disease Physical abnormalities
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
Pregnant women should be aware of these hazards
X-rays Birth defects Mother should inform medical staff if
pregnant Should always wear abdominal shields
during x-rays
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
Hazardous Substances and Chemicals Pregnant women should be careful about
substances at home and work These include
Paint Pesticides Lead Carbon monoxide Mercury Solvents
DISEASES AND INFECTIONS
Mother may get infection during pregnancy
Some pose more risks than others Some can be treated without harm to
baby, if found early and treated properly
DISEASES AND INFECTIONS
Rubella “German measles” Severe birth defects
blindness Deafness Heart disease Mental retardation
Vaccine may be dangerous for pregnant women and those who become pregnant shortly after
Every women should be sure she is immune before becoming pregnant
DISEASES AND INFECTIONS
Toxoplasmosis Caused by parasite Quite common 60 million in US carry parasite Developing babies are at risk if mother
gets disease Never clean cat’s litter box Never eat uncooked meat Wash hands after handling raw meat
DISEASES AND INFECTIONS
Chicken Pox Varicella is a viral infection that usually occurs in
childhood Some women who have not had it will get it during
pregnancy If pregnant woman gets it in early pregnancy, baby has
slight risk of getting congenital varicella disease. Congenital means present at birth Can cause scarring of skin, limb defects, eye problems, and
other abnormalities Sometimes miscarriage
Women who have not had it should get the vaccine before becoming pregnant
DISEASES AND INFECTIONS
Chicken Pox Some women who have not had it will get it during
pregnancy If pregnant woman gets it in early pregnancy, baby
has slight risk of getting congenital varicella disease.
Congenital means present at birth Can cause scarring of skin, limb defects, eye problems,
and other abnormalities Sometimes miscarriage
Women who have not had it should get the vaccine before becoming pregnant
DISEASES AND INFECTIONS
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Can be passed to child through the birth
process Syphilis Gonorrhea Hepatitis B Genital herpes AIDS Chlamydia May cause physical disabilities or even death
DISEASES AND INFECTIONS
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Most doctors test pregnant women for syphilis
and group B streptococcus Medical treatment can cure syphilis and
gonorrhea and can relieve symptoms of herpes Syphillis
Skin rash or lesions Bone or facial defomities Deafness Brain damage
DISEASES AND INFECTIONS
Syphillis May develop
Anemia Jaundice Pneumonia 2 in 5 pregnancies will end in miscarriage, a stillbirth, or death if left
untreated
AIDS 35% to 65% risk that the virus will be passed Attacks the brain Baby may have seizures and retarded mental development Many states require and AIDS test early in pregnancy Mother with AIDS may take medication to help reduce risk of
passing it to baby
DISEASES AND INFECTIONS
Genital Herpes Brain infection or mental retardation Some newborns will die Transmitted during birth process Medications to treat during pregnancy