Pregnancy is a time of changes in a woman's body as well as the development of a baby who is preparing to enter the world. The decisions a woman makes when caring for her body affects a fetus when she is pregnant. Some substances a pregnant woman uses can harm a fetus, causing a negative impact on development and possibly resulting in permanent damage.
Teratogens
The process of pregnancy is a time of sharing between a mother and her unborn child. The placenta supplies nourishment for a fetus and also provides some protection against exposure to harmful materials. Teratogens are substances in the environment that, when ingested or absorbed by a pregnant woman, cause damage to a fetus by crossing the placental barrier and entering the fetal bloodstream. Teratogens such as drugs and alcohol may bring intentional fetal harm. Other types of teratogens, including infection with certain diseases such as genital herpes or HIV, may bring illness to an unborn baby but may not be deliberate.
Drugs and Alcohol
Drug and alcohol use during pregnancy can affect the development of fetal organs and overall growth. The American Council for Drug Education states that when a pregnant mother drinks alcohol, its components are absorbed and cause damage to the cells of a fetus. Excessive drinking during pregnancy can result in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), a condition characterized by facial deformities, heart complications and mental retardation. Illegal drug use with narcotics such as cocaine or methamphetamine can restrict growth of a fetus, causing low-birth weight. Even some prescription medications, such as antiseizure and anticoagulant drugs can cause malformation or mental retardation in a fetus.
Smoking
The use of tobacco by a pregnant mother increases her chances of having a baby that has a low birth weight. According to Northwestern Michigan College, mothers who smoke tobacco during pregnancy have a 28 percent greater chance of miscarriage, or delivering a premature or low birth weight baby. Tobacco use may also harm a fetus by reducing the amount of available oxygen in the bloodstream, which can cause neurological damage.
Food
Certain foods that a pregnant woman eats may cause harm to her unborn baby. Listeria is a type of bacteria found in some vegetables, dairy products and uncooked meats. Consuming products such as soft cheeses and deli meats may expose a pregnant woman to the bacteria, causing listeriosis. This illness can cause the same infection in the fetus, resulting in premature delivery or even death.
Consuming large amounts of fish and shellfish during pregnancy can result in methylmercury poisoning. Methylmercury is found in seafood and consumption can increase levels in the bloodstream. An exposed fetus may suffer neurological damage, resulting in a child with delayed cognitive skills, learning disabilities and problems with attention and memory.
Environmental
Many environmental situations may cause harm if a pregnant woman does not take proper precautions. Improper use of seat belts results in injury to a fetus as well as a mother if an accident occurs. Inadequate protection against mosquitoes and ticks increases a mother's chance of contracting illnesses, causing damage to fetal growth and development. Exposure to many household chemicals and various environmental substances can be toxic to an unborn baby, and mothers should take precautions against putting their child at risk of exposure.
References
- Northwestern Michigan College: Teratogens
- American Council for Drug Education: Drugs and Pregnancy
- American Pregnancy Association: Listeria and Pregnancy
- Environmental Protection Agency: Mercury: Health Effects
- Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit: Pregnancy: Environmental Hazards in Pregnancy
