According to an article in the April 2000 issue of "Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology," the health and well-being of the mother are extremely important, and if compromised, can contribute to poor fetal outcomes such growth retardation, fetal alcohol syndrome and other fetal growth complications.
Small for Gestational Age
Babies who are born weighing less than the tenth percentile on a standard growth chart--such as premature babies--are considered Small for Gestational Age, or SGA. These infants have not had the opportunity to fully mature within the uterus and gain the weight necessary to do well outside the uterus. SGA babies are at risk for meconium aspiration during labor and delivery. This happens when, just prior to delivery, the fetus passes stool, or meconium, into the amniotic fluid, then inhales it as it passes through the birth canal. Meconium can cause respiratory distress, pneumonia or inflammation of the lungs. SGA infants are also at risk for low blood sugar, which can result in confusion, seizures and/or coma. These babies also have significant difficulty regulating their body temperature.
Intrauterine Growth Retardation
Intrauterine Growth Retardation, or IUGR, refers to babies whose intrauterine environment has been compromised by maternal malnutrition, drugs or physical abnormality. These infants may also suffer meconium aspiration. They are at risk for hyperviscosity, or too many red blood cells which slow down the blood flow and can cause blood clots. IUGR infants are also subject to motor and neurological disabilities.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects
According to the American Pregnancy Association, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, or FAS, is the most common cause of mental retardation and the only one that is preventable. FAS refers to high-dose drinking, binge drinking or regular drinking throughout the pregnancy. Fetal Alcohol Effects, or FAE, refers to the effects of moderate drinking throughout the pregnancy. The effects of FAS/FAE include malformation of the skeletal system and major organ systems. The heart and brain are especially susceptible to the effects of alcohol. Other growth deficiencies, central nervous system disorders and learning disabilities can be caused by FAS/FAE. The American Pregnancy Association states that no amount of alcohol is safe to drink while pregnant.
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