drug taking, alcohol and smoking

• Can alcohol pass across the placenta to the fetus?

  Yes, alcohol can pass across the placenta
• What is a potential effect of alcohol on an unborn baby?

  It can interfere with growth and development
• During which period can alcohol cause malformations in the unborn baby?

  During the first 10 weeks of development
• What malformations can alcohol cause in the unborn baby?

  Heart, limbs, and facial disfigurements
• What risks are increased by alcohol consumption during pregnancy?

  Miscarriage and stillbirth risks increase
• How does frequent drinking affect the unborn baby?

  It interferes with growth and development
• What syndrome can a baby develop if the mother is an alcoholic?

  Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
• What are the consequences of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)?

  Long-term brain damage and abnormal features
• Why is the liver of a baby underdeveloped in relation to alcohol processing?

  It cannot process alcohol like the placenta
• What can happen if a mother falls during pregnancy?

  It can cause fetal distress and early labor
• Can drugs pass across the placenta to the baby?

  Yes, drugs can pass across the placenta
• What can happen to a baby if the mother uses drugs during pregnancy?

  Baby can be born addicted and have withdrawal symptoms
• What are some withdrawal symptoms a baby might experience from drug addiction?

  Vomiting, diarrhoea, irritability
• What is a risk if a mother shares needles during pregnancy?

  Baby can get HIV
• What are potential health issues for a baby born to a drug-using mother?

  Low blood sugar and internal head bleeding
• What can happen to a baby born prematurely due to drug use?

  Baby may have low birth weight
• Why should medicines be checked with a doctor during pregnancy?

  They can cause premature onset of labor
• How do harmful chemicals from smoking affect the unborn baby?

  They cross the placenta into the baby's blood
• What effect does nicotine have on a baby's heart rate?

  It makes the baby's heart beat faster
• How does carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke affect the baby?

  It replaces oxygen in the blood
• What are the risks associated with low birth weight babies?

  They may have developmental difficulties
• What are the risks of smoking during pregnancy?

  Greater risk of miscarriage and premature birth
• What is SIDS and its relation to smoking during pregnancy?

  Greater risk of SIDS for babies of smokers
• What respiratory issues are babies at risk for if their mother smokes?

  High risk of bronchitis and asthma
• What facial disfigurements can smoking during pregnancy cause?

  Cleft palate and cleft lip
• How does smoking affect a baby's lung capacity?

  It can affect the baby's lung capacity
• What behavioral issues can arise from smoking during pregnancy?

  Risk of ADHD and behavior issues
• What are the effects of alcohol on the unborn baby?

  • Interferes with growth and development
  • Causes malformations (heart, limbs, face)
  • Increases risk of miscarriage and stillbirth
  • Affects nutrient supply to the baby
  • Can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
• What are the effects of drugs on the unborn baby?

  • Can cause miscarriage and stillbirth
  • Baby may be born addicted with withdrawal symptoms
  • Risk of HIV if needles are shared
  • Potential for low blood sugar and internal bleeding
  • Risk of premature birth and low birth weight
• What are the effects of smoking on the unborn baby?

  • Harmful chemicals cross the placenta
  • Nicotine increases heart rate and reduces oxygen
  • Carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in blood
  • Greater risk of low birth weight and developmental issues
  • Increased risk of SIDS and respiratory problems