Avoiding Dangers to the Baby

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Avoiding Dangers to the Baby
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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.

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Alcohol

• Those who live, could face several problems
• Intellectual disability
• Slow growth
• Poor coordination
• Heart defects
• Facial disfigurement
• Learning problems
• Hyperactivity
• Vision and Hearing Problems
• There is no cure for FAS

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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.

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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

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Caffeine

• Found in
• 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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES/ CHEMICALS

• Substances that should be avoided include
• Paint
• Pesticides
• Lead
• Carbon Monoxide
• Mercury
• Solvents Paint Thinners, Formaldehyde

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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.

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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

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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.