Harmful effects of drugs, alcohol and tobacco on the unborn child

1. Harmful effects of drugs, alcohol and tobacco on the unborn child By. Constance Bates

2. Tobacco • Smoking and second hand smoke can cause cancer. • Each cigarette smoke denies the unborn baby about 20 minutes of the proper amount of oxygen needed.

3. The effects of tobacco use on a unborn baby • Low birth weight-Low Birth weight contributes to infant death and medical and developmental problems. • Breakthrough Bleeding • Miscarriage • Placenta Previa • Abrubtio Placenta • Premature rupture of membranes • Premature birth • Death of infant

4. Alcohol during pregnancy There is no safe amount of alcohol for a growing baby.

5. The effects of alcohol abuse on a unborn baby • Fetal alcohol problems are effects and problems caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy. • Some examples are: • miscarriages • still birth • abnormal facial features • small head size • shorter than average height • low body weight • poor coordination • hyperactive behavior • difficulty paying attention • poor memory • difficulty in school • learning disabilities • speech and language delays • low IQ • vision or hearing problems • problems with heart, kidney, or bones

6. Use of drugs during pregnancy • Drug consumption is not good for the mother or the baby.

7. Effects of drug use during pregnancy • miscarriage • low birth weight • premature labor • placental abruption • fetal death • can keep your baby from getting the proper amount of oxygen • developmental delays • behavioral and learning problems • sleeplessness • muscle spasms • feeding difficulties • defects of the genitals, kidneys, and brain  • withdrawals symptoms

8. Resources • http://www.healthunit.org/pregnancy/pregnancy/pregnancy_drug_alcohol.htm • http://www.cdc.gov/NCBDDD/fasd/alcohol-use.html • http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/illegaldrugs.html