1. Problems in Prenatal Development Miscarriage and Birth Defects

2. Losing a Baby Miscarriage: If the developing baby dies before the 20th week of pregnancy. 15 to 20 percent of recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage.

3. Stillbirth: If the baby dies after the 20th week of pregnancy This occurs in about 2% of pregnancies common causes:abnormal chromosomes poor growth infections problems with the placenta

4. Dealing with Grief Parents go through stages of grief –Similar to losing a child that has been born

5. Types of Birth Defects Birth Defects: babies that are born with problems that threaten their health or their lives. Hundreds of types Some mild - barely noticeable Some severe - lifelong

6. Some birth defects cause an abnormality in the structure of the body. –Ex. Misshapen foot Missing finger Others cause one or more body systems not to function properly –Ex. Blindness Mental retardation

7. Some birth defects are apparent at birth Others are not discovered until months or years later

8. Achondroplasia Huntington’s Disease Cerebral Palsy Hydrocephalus Cleft Palate Marfan Syndrome Clubfoot Muscular Dystrophy Cystic Fibrosis Phenylketonuria (PKU) Down Syndrome Progeria Fifths Disease Rh Disease Fragile X Syndrome Sickle Cell Disease Gastroschisis Spina Bifida Hemophelia Tay-Sachs Disease

9. Causes of Birth Defects Environmental Causes **THE BABY’S ENVIRONMENT** (womb) - poor nutrition of mother - diseases or infections of mother - harmful substances taken by mother ex: alcohol, drugs - medicines taken by mother - exposure to hazards ex: X rays, chemicals

10. Hereditary Causes: –When a child inherits a defect from its parents. Ex: cystic fibrosis - If both parents pass on a recessive gene for the disease, the baby will get the disease.

11. Errors in Chromosomes: –Due to problems in the number or structure of chromosomes. Not hereditary, because neither parent has the abnormal chromosome. –Ex. Down Syndrome - an extra copy of chromosome 21.

12. Interaction of Heredity and Environment: –Some birth defects are caused by a combination of heredity and the environment. For example, a child may inherit a tendency for a birth defect. If an environmental factor exists, the baby will have the defect. –Ex. Cleft palate and cleft lip Spina bifida

13. Prevention & Diagnosis of Birth Defects Prospective parents should get regular health checkups. Avoid smoking, drugs & alcohol

14. Genetic Counseling: –Genetic counselors can inform couples of their chances of having a child with certain birth defects. They will not be told what to do - just what the options and risks are.

15. Prenatal Tests Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): –Blood test performed on mother It checks the levels of AFP being produced by the fetus. Abnormal levels can mean a birth defect.

16. Ultrasound: –Uses sound waves to make a video image of the developing baby. Some birth defects can be detected with an ultrasound picture (sonogram).

17. Amniocentesis: Taking a sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the developing baby. This is usually used to test for Down Syndrome when the mother is over 35.

18. Chorionic villi sampling: –Takes a sample of the tissue in the placenta. Used less often, due to greater risks. –Can be used earlier than amniocentesis.