the effects of maternal smoking and alcohol use on the unborn child
TRANSCRIPT
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.