Understanding Birth Defects
The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality.
Birth Defects Some birth defects happen for no known reason but many birth defects are preventable.
There are many kinds of birth defects...
Cleft Lip/Palate Before Surgery After Surgery
Immunizations
X-Rays
Drugs, alcohol and tobacco are dangerous in pregnancy... Do you really want to gamble with your baby??
Human Embryo at 4 Weeks
Human Embryo at 8 Weeks
Over the Counter, “Natural” and Herbal Remedies in Pregnancy
Prescription Drugs in Pregnancy
Thalidomide in Pregnancy
Accutane in Pregnancy This sign means DO NOT take this drug if you are, or could be pregnant
Illegal Drugs in Pregnancy
Baby born with Gastroschisis (Gastro-skee-sis)
Marijuana in Pregnancy
Smoking in Pregnancy
Alcohol in Pregnancy
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Dad’s Responsibilities Help your partner make healthy choices: Avoid Alcohol Avoid tobacco smoke Eat nutritious foods Avoid unsafe drugs Avoid dangerous household products Remind her to take vitamins with folate Make sure she gets prenatal care
Drugs, smoking & alcohol can cause Premature Birth
Premature Babies are at Risk for Many Health Problems
Who is at risk for preterm birth?
NICU
Cerebral Palsy
Sexually Transmitted Infections DiseaseEffectsTreatment Chlamydia Miscarriage, premature birth, pneumonia or eye infection in the baby Antibiotics can cure Chlamydia Gonorrhea Miscarriage, premature birth, eye, joint or blood infections in baby Antibiotics can cure Gonorrhea Syphilis Fetal or infant death, brain damage, blindness, hearing loss Antibiotics can cure, and baby usually won’t be affected if treated by 4 th month of pregnancy Genital Herpes Skin sores, severe infection can cause brain damage, blindness, hearing loss and mental retardation in baby No cure, medicines can treat sores. Doctors can do c-section if there are vaginal sores at time of delivery
STDs Congenital systemic herpes infection CT scan of brain after disseminated herpes infection
HIV Women who learn that they carry the virus can get treatment for HIV Treatment with antiviral medication dramatically reduces the chance that she will pass HIV on to her babies
CONSEQUENCES CHOICES
Baby at 30 weeks gestation
Anorexia and Pregnancy
Nutrition
Spina Bifida
Energy drinks may contain Caffeine (typically the amount in 2.5 Cokes) Ephedrine (stimulant) Siberian Ginseng (stimulant) Green Tea (caffeine) Echinacea (herb) Ginkgo Biloba (herb) St. John's Wort (antidepressant) Kava Kava (traditional Polynesian sedative) Many substances are harmful in pregnancy
Make wise choices now for a healthy baby later
Birth Defects Cleft Lip/Palate Downs Syndrome Cerebral Palsy Muscular Dystrophy Sickle Cell Anemia Spina Bifida Tay-Sachs Disease Fetal Alcohol Syndrome PKU Cystic Fibrosis