Developmental Psychology

3.5 Diseases • Rubella: This if a form of the measles, that became the first recognized teratogen. If a mother has rubella when she is pregnant with her child, there is a possibility that the child may be born with cardiac and brain damage, be deaf and/or blind as well. • HIV: Around for quite a while, HIV unfortunately still does not have a preventative vaccine available. This disease is known for destroying a person’s immune system, which makes the individual more susceptible to diseases. Transmitting HIV from the mother to a child can sometimes be avoided if the mother catches the HIV in time. 3.6 Medicinal Drugs • There are a variety of drugs that are dangerous for a fetus to be subjected to. Not only are a lot of over the counter meds dangerous, a lot of prescription drugs are dangerous as well. • While some may not believe that over the counter drugs are not dangerous, they can cause birth defects. Medications such as antacids, aspirins and especially diet pills are detrimental to a fetus. • Doctors recommend that mothers stop taking any non-vital medications during their pregnancy to avoid any dangers to the baby. 3.7 Psychoactive Drugs • Alcohol, cigarettes, heroin, LSD, marijuana, methadone and cocaine are just some of the drugs in this category that can hinder the growth of a mother’s fetus. • What a lot of people do not know is that the fetus does have the ability to become addicted to drugs and alcohol, and there is the possibility that the baby will go through withdrawals after being born. o Doctors say that consuming more than 3 alcoholic drinks a day may lead to FAS or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. This is one of the leading causes of mental retardation in infants. This is completely avoidable if the mother avoids drugs and alcohol. Some of the children that develop FAS will have learning disabilities, anxiety generally or socially, and slowed growing.

©2018

Achieve

Page 34

of 128