Avoiding Dangers to the Baby

Alcohol and Pregnancy

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS):– An incurable condition found in some

children of mothers who consumed alcohol during pregnancy.

– Many physical and mental disabilities– One in 5 FAS babies dies before age 1

FAS continued• Facial characteristics

FAS continued

• Heart defects

• Delayed growth

• Hyperactivity

• Learning problems

• Poor coordination

• Difficulty controlling

behavior

Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE)

• Less severe than FAS, but many similar symptoms.

• The severity depends on:– How much alcohol was consumed– The stage of pregnancy it occurred in– Combination of alcohol & other drugs

Other Drugs• Medicines - both prescription

and non-prescription

These can harm the developing baby.

The damage is usually worse in the first trimester. Can cause birth defects and mental retardation

2nd and 3rd trimester: slow growth, infections

• Caffeine - coffee, cola, chocolate

One or two cups is probably OK.

Risk of miscarriage or low birth weight

low birth weight: less than 5 1/2 pounds.

• Tobacco: (nicotine)

Harmful to baby’s development.

Can cause low birth weight, premature birth, respiratory problems and allergies

• Illegal drugs - cocaine, marijuana, heroine, etc.

Greater chance of miscarriage, birth defects, death and many other problems.

Addiction is usually passed on to the baby.Babies must go through withdrawal. Children will

have learning and behavioral disabilities.Greater chance of SIDS (sudden infant death

syndrome)

X Rays• Radiation from x rays can cause birth

defects. If an x ray is necessary, the abdomen should be shielded.

Hazardous Substances & Chemicals

• Paint

• Pesticides

• Lead

• Carbon monoxide

• Mercury (found in some fish)

• Solvents (Paint thinner, etc)

– Exposure must be minimized

Infections• Infections can harm a developing baby.

– The timing may influence the risk

• Infections that pose serious threats:– Rubella (German Measles)– Toxoplasmosis (parasite)– Chicken Pox

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)

• Some harm the developing baby

• Others are passed to baby during delivery

• Serious harm can be caused by:• Syphallus• Gonorrhea• AIDS