Avoiding Dangers to the Baby

Chapter 5, Day 6Child Development

Avoiding Dangers to the Baby Researchers and doctors believe that drugs

consumed during pregnancy are among the major causes of birth defects due to environmental factors.

Drugs include Alcohol Prescription and over-the-counter drugs Caffeine Nicotine Illegal drugs Inhalants

Alcohol Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is an incurable

condition found in some children of mothers who consumed alcohol during pregnancy.

1 in 5 babies born with FAS do not live to 1 year old

Problems include Heart, liver, or kidney defects Hyperactivity Facial deformity Mental retardation Learning difficulties Delayed Growth

Prescription and OTC Drugs

Months 1 –3 Mental retardation

Months 4 – 9 Slow growth Bleeding at birth

Check with the doctor before taking Medications that are not absolutely necessary

should be avoided

Caffeine Caffeine passes easily form a mother to her fetus

through the placenta Caffeine can

Increase fetal heart rate and movement Draw calcium from the body Interfere with absorption of iron Worsen mood swings

Tobacco Low birth rate Premature delivery Respiratory infections and allergies Secondhand smoke has similar effects

Illegal Drugs Addiction is passed to baby Low birth rate Premature delivery Risk of seizures Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Heart disease Stillbirth Stroke Brain Damage Developmental delays Physical abnormalities Death

Diseases & Infections

Rubella: cause severe birth defects including blindness, deafness, heart disease & mental retardation

A vaccine is available and usually given as a child

Diseases & Infections

Toxoplasmosis: spread by a parasite Causes: blindness, hearing loss,

learning & mental disabilities, & death Avoid litter boxes, undercooked meat

and wash hands after touching raw meat

Chicken Pox: cause scarring of the skin, limb defects, & abnormalities

Vaccine is avalible & given as a child

Diseases & Infections

Sexually Transmitted Infections Syphilis: can cause skin rash, bone or

facial deformities, deafness, brain damage or death

AIDS: attacks the brain, seizures, mental development. Medicine available to reduce spreading to baby

Genital Herpes: cause brain infections, mental retardation & death