Download Avoiding Dangers to the Baby

Avoiding Dangers to the Baby
Alcohol
• A woman who drinks during pregnancy risks
having a child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
(FAS).
• FAS leads to physical and mental damage to
the child.
• 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.
Alcohol
• Those who live, could face several problems:
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Intellectual disability
Slow growth
Poor coordination
Heart defects
Facial disfigurement
Learning problems
Hyperactivity
Vision and Hearing Problems
• There is no cure for FAS
Other Drugs
• Many doctors believe that drugs are one of the
main causes of birth defects. Alcohol is one of the
drugs, others include:
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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.
Prescription & Over the Counter Drugs
• All medications, including aspirin, cold
medications, & allergy pills can cause harm.
• It is important to read labels and talk with
doctors about all medications being taken
during pregnancy.
• Medicines or infections have the most
devastating effects during the first 3 months of
pregnancy.
– This is when the brain is developing and can cause
intellectual disabilities.
10 OTC Drugs to Avoid During Pregnancy
Caffeine
• Found in:
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Coffee
Tea
soft drinks
Chocolate
some foods
medicines
• May decrease blood flow to the placenta.
• Large doses can cause birth defects.
• Increases the chance of miscarriage.
Tobacco
• Increases the risk of a
miscarriage
• Can cause problems with the
placenta
• Raises the risk of premature
birth
• Can cause the baby to have a
low birth weight, which is not
healthy.
• Causes birth defects
• Increases the risk of SIDS
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.
X-RAYS
• Radiation from X-rays, or from other sources can
cause birth defects.
• If an X-ray is necessary, the mother should 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.
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES/ CHEMICALS
• Substances that should be avoided
include:
– Paint
– Pesticides
– Lead
– Carbon Monoxide
– Mercury
– Solvents: Paint Thinners, Formaldehyde
RUBELLA (German Measles)
• Contagious viral infection that is known by its red rash.
• Can cause severe birth defects especially during the
first 3 months of pregnancy.
• Birth Defects Include: Blindness, Deafness, Heart
Disease, and Intellectual Disabilities
• 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.
TOXOPLASMOSIS
• A infection caused by a parasite.
• Birth Defects Include: Blindness, Hearing Loss, and
Learning Disabilities
• Can cause miscarriages or stillbirth.
• Precautions:
– Never clean kitty litter boxes
– Always wash fruits and vegetables before eating
– Do not eat undercooked meat
– Wash hands immediately after handling raw meat
CHICKENPOX
• Pregnant women who get chickenpox are at
risk for complications.
• Very dangerous to a mother during 1st and
early 2nd trimesters
– Raises the chance the baby is born with congenital
varicella syndrome
• Women who have not had Chicken Pox should
get vaccinated before becoming pregnant, and
avoid contact with people who have chicken
pox.