1. Pregnancy Dangers

2. Alcohol Fetal alcohol syndrome: physical and mental problems.
One in five babies born with FAS dies soon after birth.
Those who survive: mentally disabled because alcohol interferes with tissue growth and development. Brain tissue most easily injured.
Slow growth, poor coordination, heart defects, facial disfigurement.

3. Fetal Alcohol Effects Less severe than FAS. Suffers damage
Usually directed related to amount of alcohol consumed.
May be affected by stage of pregnancy.
No cure
Prevention: no drinking while pregnant!
No known amount that presents danger

4. Prescription/Over the Counter Drugs
No safe drug
Even aspirin, cold remedies can harm baby
Medicines within first three months of pregnancy are most devastating. (brain development)
Last six months: slow growth, infections, bleeding at birth
Drugs right before birth will be in baby’s system.
Doctor will monitor is mother is on medication.

5. Caffeine In coffee, tea, cocoa, soft drinks
Small amounts do not seem to pose a risk
Large quantities do!
Miscarriage
Low birth weight
Higher rates of infant death

6. Tobacco Nicotine More mother smokes=smaller the baby Premature birth
Respiratory infections and allergies

7. Illegal Drugs Mother addicted while pregnant passes addiction to baby.
Infants go through withdrawal (some die)
Cocaine: miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and birth defects

8. X Rays Radiation Pregnant women needs to notify doctor
Special precautions

9. Rubella German measles Mothers had few/no symptoms
Deafness, blindness, heart disease, mentally disabled
Vaccine available now… better to take vaccine before pregnancy.

10. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Most routinely test woman for syphilis.. Tests are required by law in many states.
Eyes of newborns treated with eye drops that kills gonorrhea germs (causes blindness)
AIDS
Baby can be affected