4.3 Avoiding Dangers to the Baby

Hazards During Pregnancy Alcohol Drugs (heroin, LSD, ecstasy, marijuana, cocaine, etc.) Smoking (contain nicotine and other toxic chemicals) X-Rays Prescription and over-the-counter medicines Caffeine (found in chocolate and many beverages) Hazardous Chemicals Disease/Infections Inhalants (fumes inhaled into the lungs)

Alcohol Alcohol is a drug! Passed directly to the baby through the placenta Small amounts can harm the baby There is no safe amount of alcohol to consume while pregnant!

Alcohol During Pregnancy The extent of damage is directly related to the amount of alcohol drank during pregnancy! Binge drinking (drinking a large amount of alcohol in a small period of time) during the first stages of pregnancy tend to have the most affect on the infant. The combination of alcohol and drugs increases the risk of the child.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome An incurable condition found in some children of mothers who consumed alcohol while pregnant. 1 in 5 children born with FAS does not live to see their first birthday. Children who live with FAS can have delayed physical growth, hear, liver or kidney defects, hyperactivity, and facial deformities (a defect in structure).

FAS II Children may be mentally handicapped Have difficulties with learning, attention, memory, or problem solving. It is hard for some children to control their impulses and many have poor coordination. Brain tissue is injured by alcohol.

Fetal Alcohol Effects Abnormalities caused by alcohol during prenatal development. To a lesser degree than Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Prescription + Over-the-Counter Drugs ANY type of medication should be cleared through the doctor first. – Prescription Drugs – Over-the-Counter Drugs – Herbal Supplements – Vitamins First three months are when the baby is most susceptible to harm because ALL of the major body systems are starting to develop. During the fourth through ninth month, harmful substances cause slow growth, infections, or bleeding at birth. MEDICINES NOT ABSOLUTLEY NECESSARY SHOULD BE AVOIDED!

Thalidomide Prescription medication prescribed to women during the 1950’s to prevent morning sickness. Over 5,000 babies born with severe birth defects.

Caffeine In coffee, tea, cocoa, over-the- counter medications and many soft drinks. Passes easily from the mother to baby via the placenta. Causes a high fetal heart rate and excessive movement Small amounts (2 servings of beverages/foods with caffeine each day) seem to have little effect on the fetus.

Caffeine II High amounts increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight. Higher risk of infant death. Higher chance of delivering a low-birth weight baby. Draws fluid and calcium out of the body + Interferes with the absorption of iron. – Both vital for the development of the fetus Caffeine and sugar can increase mood swings and prevent restful sleep.

Tobacco Contains nicotine and other toxic chemicals Harmful to ANY person, especially a pregnant woman and unborn child. Causes premature birth and low birth weight. Leads to respiratory infections and allergies in children after birth. SECONDHAND SMOKE HAS SIMILAR EFFECTS!

Illegal Drugs Harmful to ANYONE, especially pregnant women and their unborn child. Includes cocaine, marijuana, LSD, and heroin. Addictions are passed from mother to baby. Infants are forced to go through a painful withdrawal after birth because they are no longer receiving the substance. These infants tend to have learning and behavioral difficulties. Methamphetamine and marijuana are linked to preterm birth.

Cocaine Increases risk of miscarriage during early stages of pregnancy. Could cause a stroke in an unborn child resulting in brain damage, a heart attack, birth defects, or death. Also causes low birth weight and infants to have small heads Linked to preterm (premature) birth. Increases risk for SIDS

SIDS Sudden infant death syndrome A sudden, unexpected death of a baby under one year of age with no clear cause Linked to drug and alcohol use Other causes unknown

Environmental Hazards Are all around us! Includes X-Rays and hazardous substances/chemicals

X-Rays Radiation can cause birth defects If absolutely necessary, pregnant women must wear special shields to protect the uterus and unborn child The pregnant woman ALWAYS needs to tell a health professional she is pregnant.

Hazardous Substances and Chemicals Paint Pesticides Lead – in water and paint Carbon monoxide Mercury – in some fish such as swordfish and shark Solvents – Paint thinners and formaldehyde She should avoid these chemicals (inhaling them, ingesting them, etc.)

Diseases and Infections A mother’s infection cause problems for the baby! Infections need to be treated promptly and properly to minimize risk to the fetus.

Rubella Also known as the German Measles Can cause severe birth defects during the first three months of pregnancy Can cause blindness, deafness, heart disease, and mental retardation There is a vaccine available, but can be dangerous to pregnancy

Toxoplasmosis A common infection caused by a parasite Many people carry this parasite but show no effects However, if unborn babies are exposed it can cause blindness, hearing loss, and learning disabilities Baby can die shortly after birth Can cause miscarriage or stillbirth TO AVOID: Pregnant women should never clean a cat’s litter box, eat undercooked meat, and wash hands after touching raw meat

Chicken Pox Also known as varicella If not contracted during childhood, pregnant women may develop chicken pox Infants may contract congenital varicella syndrome – Congenital: Present at birth Can cause scarring of the skin, limb defects, eye problems, and other serious abnormalities TO AVOID: Get the chicken pox vaccine, and avoid contact with people who have chicken pox

Sexually Transmitted Infections Can cause harm to the unborn baby Examples: Skin rash, bone or facial deformities, deafness, brain damage, brain infections