Avoiding Dangers to the BabyThe Developing Child

Chapter 5 Section 4

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.

•

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

DISEASES & INFECTIONS

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.