My friend and I both have daughters around the same age. her daughter is almost 3 and a half (6 months older than my little one). Her daughter does not speak very well for her age - still what I would consder toddler babble and she looks quite dopey - I know that sounds cruel, but its hard to explain! My friend didn't know she was pregnant until something like 34 weeks ( yes, im serious), and did quite a bit of drinking before she knew. Could this be a reason why her daughter is reasonably slow in talking etc? what effects can alcohol have on unborn babies that carry on after birth?
2006-11-20 20:15:32 · 10 answers · asked by Not_a_toothless_pirate 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
How Does A Mother's Drinking Affect Her Unborn Baby?
Every time a pregnant woman has a drink her unborn child has one, too. Alcohol, like carbon monoxidePoisonous gas found in cigarette smoke; can displace oxygen from hemoglobin and thus reduce the bloods ability to carry oxygen to the cells. from cigarettes, passes easily through the placenta from the mother's bloodstream into her baby's blood. The best known effect of heavy drinking during pregnancy is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).
FAS is characterized by particular physical and mental/neurological defects-abnormal facial features, reduced or slowed physical growth, a small head, and slowed intellectual/behavioral development. The latter defects are thought to be related to reduced or slowed development of the brain itself. Damage to the nervous system-the brain, spinal cord, etc.-can occur in the first few weeks of pregnancy, before a woman even knows she is pregnant.
Not all babies exposed to alcohol before birth are born with FAS. FAS is typically diagnosed only when the facial abnormalities and reduced growth are present-the intellectual and behavioral defects may not be immediately apparent.
The term "Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder" (ARND) is used to describe impairments of the nervous system-brain, spinal cord, or other nerves-that can be linked to alcohol consumption during pregnancy. These impairments may include mental retardation, poor motor skills or hand-eye coordination, severe behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and attention deficit, among others. The term "Alcohol-Related Birth Defects" (ARBD) describes physical or functional defects of the skeleton and other major organ systems.
The effects of alcohol do not end in infancy. The physical and mental defects described above are typically lifelong impairments. By drinking during pregnancy, a woman risks sentencing her child to a lifetime of difficulty.
Drinking during pregnancy is also associated with higher rates of miscarriage, premature birth, complications during birth, and low birthweightApplies to babies weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces at birth; associated with a higher rate of infant mortality and a higher rate of serious complications/illness during the newborn period.. Low birthweight babies have a higher risk of death at birth and in the weeks soon after. They are also at higher risk for serious complications and illness, including breathing disorders, as newborns. They may require specialized medical care in a newborn intensive care unit (NICU).
FAS, ARND and ARBD affect more newborns every year than Down's syndrome, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome combined. But they are 100% preventable. If she does not drink any alcohol during pregnancy, a woman can be certain that her baby will not have fetal alcohol syndrome or other alcohol-related health problems.
2006-11-20 20:28:15 · answer #1 · answered by neicia 1 · 4⤊ 0⤋
First of all, ignore the "get new friends" people. Having sex without protection, especially at such a young age, was a really dumb mistake, but you shouldn't abandon your friend when she most needs you. Check with her that she has more evidence of pregnancy than fat. By that, I mean missed periods or a pregnancy test. She probably has already checked, but it's worth asking. She can't deal with this without her parents. It's just not possible. Besides, they'll find out anyway. They're not stupid; pregnancy is incredibly obvious. This is where peer pressure is a positive. Even if it damages your relationship in the short run you absolutely must pressure her to tell her parents. You should talk to your parents as well, even if she doesn't want you to. She will thank you later. If you have a good reason to believe that her parents would abuse her if they knew then she should at least talk to other adults about the situation. She can't do this alone. An abortion may very well be the best option at this point. Besides the emotional impact, I've heard that pregnancy isn't healthy for younger teenagers. Don't quote me on that, though. But HURRY, HURRY, HURRY, HURRY! Every day that passes increases ethical issues. At a certain point (the third trimester), abortion isn't even an option. If she does choose to carry out her pregnancy then she needs to get prenatal care. Planned Parenthood's web site has some relevant reading material. It might even be worth a call to them. They've dealt with similar situations many times before. There is information on other parts of the web as well. Search for teen pregnancy in a search engine. Ignore any web sites that are condemning teens in her situation. That's not what she needs right now! Act quickly, time is not on your side! Good luck Edit: I wrote too quickly on contacting Planned Parenthood. Leave that to the adults.
2016-03-29 03:56:21 · answer #2 · answered by Marie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, her speech problem is most likely due to the alcohol during pregnancy. Very sad. This child will have multiple developmental problems.
2006-11-20 23:36:20 · answer #3 · answered by Pink 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, this could be one of the reasons. The child may be hearing impaired too.
2006-11-20 20:30:47 · answer #4 · answered by Doodlebug 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
why are u asking this question on here? these people do not know this answer, they are NOT doctors, they are just people with an opinion. Words are cheap they can say anything, doesn't mean they are right! this is a question a only a specialist can answer, i wouldn't pay attention to ANY of the above relpies if I were u
2006-11-21 01:28:18 · answer #5 · answered by Serry's mum 5 · 2⤊ 3⤋
possibly fetal alcohol syndrome check out the link it has signs and symptoms ...
2006-11-20 20:48:30 · answer #6 · answered by jizzumonkey 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yep. Drugs and alcohol can really scramble a fetus.
2006-11-20 20:17:53 · answer #7 · answered by A_Patriot 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
sad but it could be the reason
2006-11-21 00:06:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its probably due to the alchohol, but some moronic specialist will end up diagnosing her with the mythical disease known as autism.
2006-11-20 20:30:31 · answer #9 · answered by epbr123 5 · 1⤊ 5⤋