AVOIDING DANGERS TO THE BABY

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS ON PREGNANCY

Mother-to-be has a big responsibility throughout pregnancy

Good prenatal care is avoiding hazards Alcohol Drugs Smoking X-rays Chemicals Other substances infections

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS ON PREGNANCY

Researchers and doctors believe that drugs consumed during pregnancy are a major cause for birth defects linked to environmental factors

These drugs include: Alcohol Prescription and over-the-counter medicines Caffeine Nicotine Illegal drugs, such as heroin, LSD, ecstacy, etc. Inhalants

ALCOHOL

Alcohol is a drug Small amount of alcohol can harm the

developing baby Doctors recommend women consume

no alcohol while trying to become pregnant and during pregnancy

ALCOHOL

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) – incurable condition found in some children of mothers who consumed alcohol during pregnancy Includes wide range of physical and mental disabilities 1 in 5 babies born with FAS does not live to see first

birthday Delayed physical growth Heart, liver, or kidney defects Hyperactivity Facial deformity Some are mentally retarded

ALCOHOL

Difficulties with learning, attention, memory, or problem solving

Interfere with tissue growth and development Poor coordination and difficulty controlling behavior

Some children may suffer from fetal alcohol effects Abnormalities caused by consuming alcohol while

pregnant Suffer from same problems, but to a lesser degree

Extent of damage to child is related to amount of alcohol consumed and stage of pregnancy

PRESCRIPTION AND OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS

Expectant mother should check with doctor before taking any medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements

First three months of pregnancy are the most critical because body systems are being formed

Chemicals found in some medications can cause severe harm Include prescription and OTC Even antacid can harm a fetus

PRESCRIPTION AND OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS

In 4th through 9th months, harmful substances may cause slow growth, infections, and bleeding at birth

Medicines that are not necessary should be avoided!

No drug is completely safe to use during pregnancy

CAFFEINE

Caffeine is in coffee, tea, cocoa, and most soft drinks

Also in some foods and OTC medications

Caffeine is a drug Can increase fetal heart rate and

movement Large amounts increase risks of

miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth rate

Also high risks of infant death

CAFFEINE

Babies born with low birth weight can have serious health problems and greater risks of long-term problems

Caffeine can take fluid and calcium out of the body and interfere with the absorption of iron

Caffeine also makes you feel full, which can interfere with proper nutrition

TOBACCO

Nicotine is harmful to the health of any person

Especially harmful to baby’s development Low birth weight Premature birth Linked to respiratory infections and

allergies Secondhand smoke has similar effects

ILLEGAL DRUGS

Should never be used, especially for expectant mothers

Mother usually passes on addiction to baby through the bloodstream

Newborns may suffer throughout their lives Go through period of withdrawal, those who

survive have uncertain future Many children have learning and behavioral

disorders

ILLEGAL DRUGS

Cocaine proven to increase the risk Miscarriage Stillbirth or premature birth May cause unborn child to have stroke

Stroke can cause brain damage, heart attack, birth defects, or death

Low birth weight Smaller heads Risk of seizures and sudden infant death

syndrome (SIDS)

ILLEGAL DRUGS

Tremors Exaggerated startle response Sleeping and feeing problems Irritability Developmental delay

ILLEGAL DRUGS

Marijuana and Methamphetamine Low birth weight Premature delivery Breathing difficulties Poor attention span Drowsiness Heart defects

Ecstasy Heart disease Physical abnormalities

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

Pregnant women should be aware of these hazards

X-rays Birth defects Mother should inform medical staff if

pregnant Should always wear abdominal shields

during x-rays

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

Hazardous Substances and Chemicals Pregnant women should be careful about

substances at home and work These include

Paint Pesticides Lead Carbon monoxide Mercury Solvents

DISEASES AND INFECTIONS

Mother may get infection during pregnancy

Some pose more risks than others Some can be treated without harm to

baby, if found early and treated properly

DISEASES AND INFECTIONS

Rubella “German measles” Severe birth defects

blindness Deafness Heart disease Mental retardation

Vaccine may be dangerous for pregnant women and those who become pregnant shortly after

Every women should be sure she is immune before becoming pregnant

DISEASES AND INFECTIONS

Toxoplasmosis Caused by parasite Quite common 60 million in US carry parasite Developing babies are at risk if mother

gets disease Never clean cat’s litter box Never eat uncooked meat Wash hands after handling raw meat

DISEASES AND INFECTIONS

Chicken Pox Varicella is a viral infection that usually occurs in

childhood Some women who have not had it will get it during

pregnancy If pregnant woman gets it in early pregnancy, baby has

slight risk of getting congenital varicella disease. Congenital means present at birth Can cause scarring of skin, limb defects, eye problems, and

other abnormalities Sometimes miscarriage

Women who have not had it should get the vaccine before becoming pregnant

DISEASES AND INFECTIONS

Chicken Pox Some women who have not had it will get it during

pregnancy If pregnant woman gets it in early pregnancy, baby

has slight risk of getting congenital varicella disease.

Congenital means present at birth Can cause scarring of skin, limb defects, eye problems,

and other abnormalities Sometimes miscarriage

Women who have not had it should get the vaccine before becoming pregnant

DISEASES AND INFECTIONS

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Can be passed to child through the birth

process Syphilis Gonorrhea Hepatitis B Genital herpes AIDS Chlamydia May cause physical disabilities or even death

DISEASES AND INFECTIONS

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Most doctors test pregnant women for syphilis

and group B streptococcus Medical treatment can cure syphilis and

gonorrhea and can relieve symptoms of herpes Syphillis

Skin rash or lesions Bone or facial defomities Deafness Brain damage

DISEASES AND INFECTIONS

Syphillis May develop

Anemia Jaundice Pneumonia 2 in 5 pregnancies will end in miscarriage, a stillbirth, or death if left

untreated

AIDS 35% to 65% risk that the virus will be passed Attacks the brain Baby may have seizures and retarded mental development Many states require and AIDS test early in pregnancy Mother with AIDS may take medication to help reduce risk of

passing it to baby

DISEASES AND INFECTIONS

Genital Herpes Brain infection or mental retardation Some newborns will die Transmitted during birth process Medications to treat during pregnancy