Questions & Answers
1. Why is smoking a risk factor for premature birth and low birth weight?
The nicotine in tobacco causes narrowing of blood vessels in the placenta which provides vital nourishment to the developing fetus. The inadequate nourishment impairs growth and development of the growing baby, resulting in complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
2. Does obesity impact the health and survival of the baby?
Compared to lean women, obese pregnant women have a higher risk of developing the following: gestational diabetes (diabetes of pregnancy), preeclampsia (hypertension of pregnancy), an overweight baby at the time of delivery, and an increased chance of having a caesarean delivery. Recent studies show an association between maternal obesity and the risk of stillbirth.
3. Why is the first trimester so important for prenatal care?
During the first trimester, the embryo (the fertilized egg that will develop into a baby) develops most major body organs and is especially vulnerable to damaging exposures and substances, such as alcohol, radiation and cigarette smoke. Prenatal care provides an opportunity to counsel mothers to avoid these harmful exposures. It also allows for the early detection of various conditions that could have adverse effects on the baby, such as infection, gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Early treatment of these conditions helps to prevent complications of the newborn baby.
4. Is breastfeeding important for the health of the infant?
Absolutely. Breastfeeding offers many important benefits:
• Defense against illness — breast milk provides protection against many viral and bacterial illnesses, such as colds and ear infections.
• Enhanced health — breast milk is gentle on the baby’s system, easy to digest and decreases the incidence of constipation, stomach upset and diarrhea.
• Well-being — breastfeeding provides a feeling of closeness and well-being between mother and baby.
• Fewer allergies — breastfed babies have fewer allergies.
• Protection from disease — breastfeeding provides possible long-term protection for the baby against diabetes, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
• Enhanced development — breast milk contains unique substances that enhance brain growth and eye development.
5. How does diabetes affect the health of the mother and the baby during pregnancy?
In early pregnancy, maternal diabetes can result in birth defects and an increased rate of miscarriage. During the second and third trimester, maternal diabetes can lead to over-nutrition and excess growth of the baby. Having a large baby increases the likelihood of complications during labor and delivery, as well as the need for a C-section.
6. Why is the infant death rate higher for teenage mothers?
Teenage mothers are less likely to gain adequate weight during their pregnancy, leading to low birth weight, which is associated with infant and childhood disorders and a high rate of infant mortality. Teenagers are less likely to maintain adequate nutrition during pregnancy. They are also more likely to smoke, drink or take drugs during pregnancy, which can cause health problems for the baby. Teenage mothers are less likely to seek regular prenatal care, which is essential for monitoring the growth of the fetus.
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Lisa Michelle Owens, M.D.
Medical Director
Brigham Primary Physicians at
Faulkner Hospital
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