1. Avoiding Dangers to the Baby
The Developing Child
Chapter 5 Section 4

2. Alcohol
A woman who drinks during pregnancy risks having a child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
FAS- includes physical and mental problems that result from drinking alcohol.
1 in 5 babies born with FAS, die soon after birth.
Some suffer from Fetal Alcohol Effects- this condition is less severe than FAS.
The degree of damage to the child is usually directed to the amount of alcohol consumed, and the stage of pregnancy when it was consumed.

3. Alcohol Those who live, have several problems:
Mental retardation
Slow growth
Poor coordination
Heart defects
Facial disfigurement
Learning problems
Hyperactivity
Trouble controlling behavior
There is no cure for FAS.

4. Video: In your notes, summarize what happens when a mother consumes alcohol while pregnant.
Baby's Can't Say No Substance Abuse During Pregnancy.asf

5. Other Drugs
Many doctors believe that drugs are one of the main causes of birth defects. Alcohol is one of the drugs, others include:
Medicines, including prescription & over the counter.
Caffeine, found in food and beverages.
Nicotine, found in tobacco.
Illegal drugs, such as heroine, LSD, marijuana, & cocaine.
Inhalants: fumes inhaled through the lungs.

6. Prescription & Over the Counter Drugs
All medications, including aspirin, cold medications, & allergy pills can cause harm.
Example, Thalidomide, used in the 1950’s to relieve morning sickness caused more than 5,000 babies to be born with sever birth defects (missing legs and arms).
Medicines or infections have the most devastating effects during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
This is when the brain is developing, can cause mental retardation.

7. Caffeine Found in coffee, tea, soft drinks.
Large doses can cause birth defects.
No amount is known to be safe.

8. Tobacco
The more the mother smokes, the smaller the baby is likely to be.
Newborn weight is crucial for survival. Low-birth weight decreases survival.
Smoking is proven to cause premature birth- increasing the risk for respiratory infections.
Second-hand smoke can be dangerous as well.
Shrunken-blackened umbilical cord is often seen in mothers who smoke.

9. Illegal Drugs
A mother who is addicted to a drug when pregnant usually passes on that addiction to the baby.
At birth, infants go through withdrawal.
Painful condition resulting from the body no longer receiving the drug.
Many times, withdrawal is so severe it causes death.
Those who survive, have an uncertain future.
Are known to cause miscarriages, stillbirth, premature birth, and birth defects.

10. X-RAYS
Radiation from X-rays, or from other sources can cause birth defects.
If an X-ray is necessary while pregnant due to an accident, illness, or dental work- inform the medical staff that you are pregnant.
Abdominal shields should be worn to reduce the amount of radiation that the fetus is exposed to.
Dental X-rays are considered to be safe because they are focused far from the uterus- however some dentists will wait until after birth to perform X-rays.

11. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES/ CHEMICALS
Substances that should be avoided include:
Paint
Pesticides
Lead
Carbon Monoxide
Mercury
Solvents: Paint Thinners, Formaldehyde

12. DISEASES & INFECTIONS

13. RUBELLA (German Measles)
Can cause severe birth defects especially during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Birth Defects Include: Blindness, Deafness, Heart Disease, and Mental Retardation
A vaccination is available, but can be dangerous if taken while pregnant or soon before becoming pregnant.
Important to check to see if you have been immunized for Rubella before becoming pregnant.

14. TOXOPLASMOSIS A infection caused by a parasite.
60 million Americans carry the parasite- most have immune systems that are strong enough to prevent feeling the ill effects.
However developing babies are still at risk.
Birth Defects Include: Blindness, Hearing Loss, and Learning Disabilities.
Some cases are so severe that baby dies soon after birth.

15. TOXOPLASMOSIS cont’d Can cause miscarriages or stillbirth.
Precautions:
Never cleaning kitty litter boxes.
Do not eat undercooked meat.
Wash hands immediately after handling raw meat.

16. CHICKEN POX
Some women who have not already had chicken pox may get it while pregnant. Depending on when the infection occurs during pregnancy- serious affects on the fetus can occur.
Occurring during First ½ of pregnancy- baby risks getting Congenital Varicella Syndrome.
Causes scarring of the skin, limb defects, eye problems, and other serious physical abnormalities.

17. CHICKEN POX cont’d Few cases result in miscarriage.
Women who have not had Chicken Pox should get vaccinated before becoming pregnant, and avoid contact with people who have chicken pox.

18. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
As with many other infections, STD’s can cause great harm to an unborn child.
STD’s may be passed on from mother to unborn child.
People may contract an STD without knowing it, therefore, most doctors routinely test pregnant women. Many states require these tests.
Medical treatment can cure certain STD’s in adults, however, no drug can cure the damage to a newborn.

19. STD’s: Syphillis
Effects on baby can usually be treated if found before the 16th week of pregnancy.
Left untreated Syphilis can cause:
Skin rash or lesions
Bone or facial deformities
Deafness
Brain damage
Many babies infected will develop anemia, jaundice, or pneumonia during their first few months.
Can results in miscarriage, stillbirth, or death soon after birth.

20. STD’s: AIDS
If mother has AIDS there is a 35-65% risk that the virus will be passed on to baby.
AIDS attacks the brain and infected babies often have seizures and retarded mental development.
Most states require an AIDS test early on during pregnancy.
Mother may take medication to reduce the risk of baby contracting the disease.
Baby’s born to mothers with AIDS or other STD’s are usually delivered cesarean section to avoid exposure to the disease that may exist in the birth canal.

21. STD’s: Genital Herpes
Managing genital herpes during pregnancy is important for the health of the fetus.
Can cause baby to be born with a brain infection, mild retardation, and death in some cases.
In most cases, the infection is transferred to the newborn during the birth process- a cesarean section is usually scheduled to avoid vaginal delivery.