Avoiding Prenatal Health Risks Ch. 9 Continued

Tobacco Smoking or using other forms of tobacco is harmful because it limits the amount of oxygen that the fetus receives Research shows that secondhand smoke is also dangerous Possible results from smoking or secondhand smoke include: –Premature birth, low birth weight, and other complications

Alcohol ALCOHOL There is NO ‘safe’ amount of alcohol that a pregnant woman can drink Alcohol use increases the risk of: –Miscarriage, stillbirth, and low birth weight Can permanently damage the fetus’s brain –This is called Fetal Alcohol Disorders Effects may include: mental retardation, defects of the head, face, limbs, heart, and central nervous system, vision and hearing disorders, and learning and behavior problems

Illegal Drugs Extremely dangerous drugs for mothers to use while pregnant: –Cocaine, heroin, LSD The newborn may be addicted to these substances at birth and is at risk for a stroke, brain damage, and death Premature birth and low birth weight are likely, often leading to a lifetime of learning and behavioral problems

Prescription and Over the Counter Medications A drug does not have to be illegal to harm a fetus Pregnant women must inform their doctor of all prescription medication they are taking If a drug is unsafe to take, the doctor may recommend a safe substitute Over the counter medication should also be consulted with a doctor –Products as common as aspirin and antacids can sometimes be harmful

X-Rays X rays use radiation to make images of body structures High levels of radiation can damage the fetus Before having X Rays, pregnant women should inform the health care provider that she is pregnant or may be pregnant If it is not possible to postpone the X Ray, precautions are taking to minimize risk to the fetus –Lead vests

Chemicals and Lead Exposure to chemicals in the work environment should be discussed with both a health care provider and employer Lead, a naturally occurring metal, poses health risks to unborn babies, infants, and young children –Older home contain lead-based paint or lead water pipes

Common Infections Some diseases that don’t usually harm adults, and may not even be noticed, can seriously affect a fetus

Chicken Pox Having Chicken Pox during pregnancy can lead to: –Premature delivery, low birth weight, birth defects, and miscarriage –Risk is greatest during the first half of pregnancy

Rubella Also known as German Measles is usually very mild in adults During pregnancy, it can cause sever damage to the fetus’s brain, heart, eyes, and ears Risk is greatest during the first trimester Vaccine cannot be given during pregnancy Pregnant women are given blood tests to determine if they are immune to Rubella, if not, they are educated about the symptoms and advised to avoid contact with anyone who may have the disease

Toxoplasmosis Infection that is caused by a parasite found in raw or undercooked meat It is also found in cats who eat raw meat, rodents, birds, and in cat feces Toxoplasmosis can lead to miscarriage or birth defects There are no symptoms, but a blood test can determine its presence Precautions: thoroughly cook all meat and poultry, pregnant women should stay away from litter boxes and should not garden where cats have left waste

Sexually Transmitted Diseases STDs can be transmitted from mother to baby before, during, or after birth HIV—infection that leads to AIDS, can cause serious illness and death Genital Herpes—can cause potentially fatal infections Syphilis—can cause sever damage or stillbirth Gonorrhea—can cause blindness, joint infection, or a potentially fatal blood infection Chlamydia—can cause eye infections and respiratory infections Hepatitis B—can cause serious liver disease

STDs STDs can be prevented by avoiding risky sexual behaviors Symptoms may include: unusual discharge, pain in the abdomen, burning during urination, swelling blisters, open sores, or a rash in the genital area Prompt treatment can cure SOME STDs and minimize the effects of others