Understanding Birth Defects

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UnderstandingBirth Defects
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The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve
the health of babies by preventing birth defects,
premature birth and infant mortality.
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Birth Defects
Every 3 1/2 minutes a baby is born with a birth
defect in the United States.
Over 150,000 babies are born with serious birth
defects each year. Thats 1 in 33 births!
In 2002, birth defects accounted for about 1 in 5
infant deaths in the United States.
National Center for Health Statistics, 2005
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There are many kinds of birth defects
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Immunizations
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Genetic Mutations
Baby with Trisomy 13
Boy with Fragile X Syndrome
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Which woman is pregnant?

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Human Embryo at 4 Weeks
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Human Embryo at 8 Weeks
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Drugs, alcohol and tobacco are dangerous in
pregnancy...
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Accutane in Pregnancy

• This sign means DO NOT take this drug if you are,
  
• or could be pregnant

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Talk to your care provider before taking any OTC
medications during pregnancy
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Many substances are harmful during pregnancy
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Drugs, smoking alcohol can cause Premature Birth
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Baby born with Gastroschisis
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Illegal Drugs in Pregnancy
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Marijuana in Pregnancy
Linked to low birth weight Baby may exhibit
withdrawal symptoms like crying and
tremors Children may show attention disorders and
learning problems later in life
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Smoking in Pregnancy
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Alcohol in Pregnancy
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Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
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Premature Babies are at Risk for Many Health
Problems
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Who is at risk for preterm birth?
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Cerebral Palsy
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Prenatal Care
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Sexually Transmitted Infections
Congenital systemic herpes infection
Eye infection in newborn from Chlamydia
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Sexually Transmitted Infections
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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

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Baby at 30 weeks gestation
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Anorexia and Pregnancy
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Nutrition
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Foods in Pregnancy
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Spina Bifida
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Dads Responsibilities

• Help your partner make healthy choices
• Avoid Alcohol
• Avoid tobacco smoke
• Eat nutritious foods
• Avoid unsafe drugs
• Dont let her clean the cat litter box
• Avoid dangerous household products
• Remind her to take vitamins with folate
• Make sure she gets prenatal care

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Make wise choices now for a healthy baby later
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