Transcript Understanding Birth Defects - March of Dimes

Understanding
Birth
Defects
The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health
of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality.
Birth Defects
Some birth defects happen for no known
reason but many birth defects are
preventable.
There are many kinds of birth defects...
Cleft Lip/Palate
Before Surgery
After Surgery
Immunizations
X-Rays
Drugs, alcohol and tobacco are
dangerous in pregnancy...
Do you really
want to gamble
with your
baby??
Human Embryo at 4 Weeks
Human Embryo at 8 Weeks
Over the Counter, “Natural” and
Herbal Remedies in Pregnancy
Prescription Drugs in Pregnancy
Thalidomide in Pregnancy
Accutane in Pregnancy
This sign means
DO NOT take this
drug if you are,
or could be
pregnant
Illegal Drugs in Pregnancy
Baby born with Gastroschisis
(Gastro-skee-sis)
Marijuana in Pregnancy
Smoking in Pregnancy
Alcohol in Pregnancy
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Dad’s Responsibilities
Help your partner make healthy choices:
 Avoid Alcohol
Avoid tobacco smoke
 Eat nutritious foods
 Avoid unsafe drugs
 Avoid dangerous household products
 Remind her to take vitamins with folate
Make sure she gets prenatal care
Drugs, smoking & alcohol can cause
Premature Birth
Premature Babies are at Risk for
Many Health Problems
Who is at risk for preterm birth?
NICU
Cerebral Palsy
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Disease
Effects
Treatment
Chlamydia
Miscarriage, premature birth, Antibiotics can cure Chlamydia
pneumonia or eye infection
in the baby
Gonorrhea
Miscarriage, premature birth, Antibiotics can cure Gonorrhea
eye, joint or blood infections
in baby
Syphilis
Fetal or infant death, brain
damage, blindness, hearing
loss
Antibiotics can cure, and baby
usually won’t be affected if
treated by 4th month of pregnancy
Genital
Herpes
Skin sores, severe infection
can cause brain damage,
blindness, hearing loss and
mental retardation in baby
No cure, medicines can treat
sores. Doctors can do c-section if
there are vaginal sores at time of
delivery
STDs
CT scan of brain after
disseminated herpes
infection
Congenital systemic herpes
infection
HIV
• Women who learn that
they carry the virus can
get treatment for HIV
• Treatment with antiviral
medication dramatically
reduces the chance that
she will pass HIV on to
her babies
CHOICES
CONSEQUENCES
Baby at 30 weeks gestation
Anorexia and Pregnancy
Nutrition
Spina Bifida
Many substances are harmful in
pregnancy
Energy drinks may contain
Caffeine (typically the amount in 2.5 Cokes)
Ephedrine (stimulant)
Siberian Ginseng (stimulant)
Green Tea (caffeine)
Echinacea (herb)
Ginkgo Biloba (herb)
St. John's Wort (antidepressant)
Kava Kava (traditional Polynesian sedative)
Make wise choices now for a
healthy baby later
Birth Defects
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Cleft Lip/Palate
Downs Syndrome
Cerebral Palsy
Muscular Dystrophy
Sickle Cell Anemia
Spina Bifida
Tay-Sachs Disease
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
PKU
Cystic Fibrosis