Avoiding Dangers to the Baby

Alcohol

• A woman who drinks during pregnancy risks having a child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).

• FAS leads to physical and mental damage to the child.

• 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, could face several problems:– Intellectual disability– Slow growth– Poor coordination– Heart defects– Facial disfigurement– Learning problems– Hyperactivity– Vision and Hearing Problems

• There is no cure for FAS

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.

• It is important to read labels and talk with doctors about all medications being taken during pregnancy.

• Medicines or infections have the most devastating effects during the first 3 months of pregnancy. – This is when the brain is developing and can cause

intellectual disabilities.

10 OTC Drugs to Avoid During Pregnancy

Caffeine

• Found in:– Coffee– Tea– soft drinks– Chocolate– some foods– medicines

• May decrease blood flow to the placenta.• Large doses can cause birth defects.• Increases the chance of miscarriage.

Tobacco

• Increases the risk of a miscarriage

• Can cause problems with the placenta

• Raises the risk of premature birth• Can cause the baby to have a

low birth weight, which is not healthy.

• Causes birth defects • Increases the risk of SIDS

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, the mother should 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.

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES/ CHEMICALS

• Substances that should be avoided include:– Paint– Pesticides– Lead– Carbon Monoxide– Mercury– Solvents: Paint Thinners, Formaldehyde

RUBELLA (German Measles)

• Contagious viral infection that is known by its red rash.• Can cause severe birth defects especially during the

first 3 months of pregnancy. • Birth Defects Include: Blindness, Deafness, Heart

Disease, and Intellectual Disabilities• 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. • Birth Defects Include: Blindness, Hearing Loss, and

Learning Disabilities• Can cause miscarriages or stillbirth. • Precautions:

– Never clean kitty litter boxes– Always wash fruits and vegetables before eating– Do not eat undercooked meat– Wash hands immediately after handling raw meat

CHICKENPOX

• Pregnant women who get chickenpox are at risk for complications.

• Very dangerous to a mother during 1st and early 2nd trimesters– Raises the chance the baby is born with congenital

varicella syndrome

• Women who have not had Chicken Pox should get vaccinated before becoming pregnant, and avoid contact with people who have chicken pox.