Our reference materials this week included a brief reference of some prenatal and newborn risk factors.  Given the awesome complexities of conception, gestation, and birth, it is sometimes amazing that so many things go right for most pregnancies and births.  But in some cases, risks to the mother or child are present due to genetics or environmental factors.  For this discussion board, we will look at conditions that can impact the health and well-being of mothers and their babies.

Part 1 – Investigation:  Spend some time searching reputable websites for information on prenatal and newborn risk factors.  (There are some links listed below, but you do not have to limit yourself to these resources.)  Select one prenatal or newborn risk factor to investigate and research the condition.

• National Institute of Child Health and Human Development(Links to an external site.)
• March of Dimes(Links to an external site.)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(Links to an external site.)
• Mayo Clinic(Links to an external site.)

Part 2 – Summary:  For the risk factor or condition you selected, write up a brief summary of the condition.  Include the following, if available:

• risk factors
• tests available
• treatments or interventions
• potential outcomes
• why this risk factor was of interest to you
• link to website(s) where you did your research. 

(Do not copy directly from the internet or other source, instead rewrite the information in your own words.)