Dangers to the Baby Chapter 5 Section 4 Child/Human Development

Dangers to the Fetus Tobacco: increases the risk of premature babies Low-birth weight babies Alcohol: fetal alcohol syndrome: many physical and mental defects Children may have a very small head, improperly formed nose and mouth, sight and hearing problems, heart and kidney defects, poor coordination, and mental retardation Children may be overactive and have learning and behavior problems

Dangers to the Fetus Caffeine Medications and Drugs- any medication or drug that a pregnant woman takes passes through the placenta into the bloodstream of the fetus Problems linked to medication include miscarriage, early labor and premature birth, low birth weight, infant addiction and withdrawal, and infant death

Dangers to the Fetus Illegal Drugs- infants exposed to drugs in the uterus are at risk of being physically deformed. Respiratory problems, fetal brain damage, premature birth, low birth weight, death The mother can pass the addiction on to her child These babies are 40 times more likely to die during their first month

Dangers to the Fetus X Rays- radiation from X rays can cause birth defects A pregnant woman who is in an accident, is sick, or has dental work should inform doctor of pregnancy Rubella- (German measles)- deafness, blindness, heart disease, or mental retardation A vaccine is now available STDS- many can be passes to the baby