Environmental Factors in Pregnancy

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Environmental exposure to unhealthy air quality, metals, unhealthy water quality, pesticides, and tobacco smoke, can have a direct effect on pregnancy and have adverse effects on the fetus. The most common environmental hazards include smoking, computer stations, and exposure to lead. Cigarette smoking during pregnancy has been the leading environmental factor for adverse pregnancy outcome. Maternal smoking during pregnancy has been associated with low birth weight, less than 2500grams (Hossain & Triche, 2007). The air pollution, and pesticide exposure, has also been associated with low birth weight and preterm delivery (Hossain & Triche, 2007). The objective of this program is to introduce the importance of patient education during the pre-natal period. At the conclusion of this program, the attendee will be able to state environmental hazards and the effects on their unborn baby. Secondly, the attendee will be able to establish goals to avoid environmental hazards. The period immediate following conception is a critical period in a fetus’ life. This five-week interval is crucial to normal development. During this time the fetus’ organs are forming at different times. Most significant of all is the development of the nervous system, particularly the brain (Obstet, 2008). When an infant presents with an issue that was likely caused by environmental factors, ie; smoking, and pesticides use, it is possible to trace back the time when the baby may have been exposed to the substance (Obstet, 2008). Based on the developmental issue, and the mother's medical history, Doctors can assess to what she was exposed to over this period. Most often, woman state, “they didn’t know they were pregnant” (Obstet, 2008). All too often the damage has already been done. Although, tissues continue to grow throughout the forty week gestation period, for instance teeth and bones,

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