Alcohol
• A woman who drinks during pregnancy risks having a child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
• FAS- includes physical and mental problems that result from drinking alcohol.
• 1 in 5 babies born with FAS, die soon after birth.
• Some suffer from Fetal Alcohol Effects- this condition is less severe than FAS.
• The degree of damage to the child is usually directed to the amount of alcohol consumed, and the stage of pregnancy when it was consumed.
Alcohol
• Those who live, have several problems:– Mental retardation– Slow growth– Poor coordination– Heart defects– Facial disfigurement– Learning problems– Hyperactivity– Trouble controlling behavior
• There is no cure for FAS.
VIDEO:IN YOUR NOTES, SUMMARIZE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A MOTHER CONSUMES ALCOHOL WHILE PREGNANT.
Baby's Can't Say No Substance Abuse During Pregnancy.asf
Other Drugs
• Many doctors believe that drugs are one of the main causes of birth defects. Alcohol is one of the drugs, others include:– Medicines, including prescription & over the
counter.– Caffeine, found in food and beverages.– Nicotine, found in tobacco.– Illegal drugs, such as heroine, LSD, marijuana, &
cocaine. – Inhalants: fumes inhaled through the lungs.
Prescription & Over the Counter Drugs
• All medications, including aspirin, cold medications, & allergy pills can cause harm.
• Example, Thalidomide, used in the 1950’s to relieve morning sickness caused more than 5,000 babies to be born with sever birth defects (missing legs and arms).
• Medicines or infections have the most devastating effects during the first 3 months of pregnancy. – This is when the brain is developing, can cause mental
retardation.
Caffeine
• Found in coffee, tea, soft drinks.
• Large doses can cause birth defects.
• No amount is known to be safe.
Tobacco
• The more the mother smokes, the smaller the baby is likely to be.
• Newborn weight is crucial for survival. Low-birth weight decreases survival.
• Smoking is proven to cause premature birth- increasing the risk for respiratory infections.
• Second-hand smoke can be dangerous as well. • Shrunken-blackened umbilical cord is often
seen in mothers who smoke.
Illegal Drugs
• A mother who is addicted to a drug when pregnant usually passes on that addiction to the baby.
• At birth, infants go through withdrawal. – Painful condition resulting from the body no longer
receiving the drug.
– Many times, withdrawal is so severe it causes death.
– Those who survive, have an uncertain future.
• Are known to cause miscarriages, stillbirth, premature birth, and birth defects.
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X-RAYS
• Radiation from X-rays, or from other sources can cause birth defects.
• If an X-ray is necessary while pregnant due to an accident, illness, or dental work- inform the medical staff that you are pregnant.
• Abdominal shields should be worn to reduce the amount of radiation that the fetus is exposed to.
• Dental X-rays are considered to be safe because they are focused far from the uterus- however some dentists will wait until after birth to perform X-rays.
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES/ CHEMICALS
• Substances that should be avoided include:– Paint
– Pesticides
– Lead
– Carbon Monoxide
– Mercury
– Solvents: Paint Thinners, Formaldehyde
RUBELLA (German Measles)
• Can cause severe birth defects especially during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
• Birth Defects Include: Blindness, Deafness, Heart Disease, and Mental Retardation
• A vaccination is available, but can be dangerous if taken while pregnant or soon before becoming pregnant.
• Important to check to see if you have been immunized for Rubella before becoming pregnant.
TOXOPLASMOSIS
• A infection caused by a parasite.
• 60 million Americans carry the parasite- most have immune systems that are strong enough to prevent feeling the ill effects.
• However developing babies are still at risk.
• Birth Defects Include: Blindness, Hearing Loss, and Learning Disabilities.
• Some cases are so severe that baby dies soon after birth.
TOXOPLASMOSIS cont’d
• Can cause miscarriages or stillbirth.
• Precautions:
– Never cleaning kitty litter boxes.
– Do not eat undercooked meat.
– Wash hands immediately after handling raw meat.
CHICKEN POX
• Some women who have not already had chicken pox may get it while pregnant. Depending on when the infection occurs during pregnancy- serious affects on the fetus can occur.
• Occurring during First ½ of pregnancy- baby risks getting Congenital Varicella Syndrome. – Causes scarring of the skin, limb defects, eye
problems, and other serious physical abnormalities.
CHICKEN POX cont’d
• Few cases result in miscarriage.• Women who have not had Chicken Pox should
get vaccinated before becoming pregnant, and avoid contact with people who have chicken pox.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
• As with many other infections, STD’s can cause great harm to an unborn child.
• STD’s may be passed on from mother to unborn child.
• People may contract an STD without knowing it, therefore, most doctors routinely test pregnant women. Many states require these tests.
• Medical treatment can cure certain STD’s in adults, however, no drug can cure the damage to a newborn.
STD’s: Syphillis
• Effects on baby can usually be treated if found before the 16th week of pregnancy.
• Left untreated Syphilis can cause:– Skin rash or lesions– Bone or facial deformities– Deafness– Brain damage
• Many babies infected will develop anemia, jaundice, or pneumonia during their first few months.
• Can results in miscarriage, stillbirth, or death soon after birth.
STD’s: AIDS
• If mother has AIDS there is a 35-65% risk that the virus will be passed on to baby.
• AIDS attacks the brain and infected babies often have seizures and retarded mental development.
• Most states require an AIDS test early on during pregnancy.
• Mother may take medication to reduce the risk of baby contracting the disease.
• Baby’s born to mothers with AIDS or other STD’s are usually delivered cesarean section to avoid exposure to the disease that may exist in the birth canal.
STD’s: Genital Herpes
• Managing genital herpes during pregnancy is important for the health of the fetus.
• Can cause baby to be born with a brain infection, mild retardation, and death in some cases.
• In most cases, the infection is transferred to the newborn during the birth process- a cesarean section is usually scheduled to avoid vaginal delivery.