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Sickle Cell Anemia
Source of Information: Teens Health
What Is It?
A hereditary disorder that mostly affects people of African ancestry. It is a blood disorder that affects hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen throughout the body.
What Causes It?
Inheriting two abnormal genes (one from each birthparent) that cause red blood cells to change shape. Instead of being flexible and round, the cells are more rigid and curved into a shape similar to a crescent moon.
What Are the Symptoms/Risks?
- Jaundice
- Bouts of pain in the chest, stomach, legs, and other parts of the body
- Feeling tired
- Trouble fighting infections
Is it Hereditary?
Yes.
Diagnosable at Birth or Latent?
Diagnosable at birth.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
There is no cure for sickle cell anemia.
What’s the Bottom Line?
This disease can be diagnosed at birth, so the child can receive medical care for the condition from infancy.
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Smoking
Source of Information: Webmd.com; American Lung Association
What Is It?
Smoking cigarettes while pregnant.
What Causes It?
Smoking cigarettes during pregnancy.
What Are the Symptoms/Risks?
- Increases the chances of miscarriage and stillbirth
- Increases the risk that the baby will be born prematurely and/or born with low birth weight
- Increases the baby’s risk of developing respiratory (lung) problems
- Increases the risk of developing asthma
- May increase the risk of developing ADHD (According to a recent article, children exposed to prenatal smoking are 2-1/2 times more likely to develop ADHD.)
- Increases the risk of delivering a baby with abnormal fingers and toes (See webmd.com.)
- Increases susceptibility to colds
- Increases susceptibility to ear infections
- May cause the child to be shorter and smaller than children of nonsmokers
Is it Hereditary?
No.
Diagnosable at Birth or Latent?
Most of the risks are diagnosable at birth. Asthma, ADHD, and shorter stature are latent.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Smoking more cigarettes increases the health risks. Quitting within the first 3-4 months of pregnancy lowers the health risks.
What’s the Bottom Line?
Smoking while pregnant can cause a number of health risks. While many can be diagnosed at birth, some aftereffects might not present themselves until later. If you adopt a child from a birthmother who smokes, be sure to research the symptoms of asthma. If your child develops a persistent cough, have him screened for asthma.
