The Tragic Victims
Sally Hanson
Soc 120: Introduction to
Ethics and Social Responsibility
Professor Delena Chappell-James
July 31, 2008
The Tragic Victims
Pregnancy is usually a joyous time in the lives of most families. The planning and preparing for the new baby generally takes precedence over most things in life. However, this is not always the case. There are some people who do not care for their unborn child the way they should. For example, the expectant mother may not watch her diet and weight the way she should or report go to doctor appointments. While all necessary care should be taken for the unborn baby most importantly is to never use drugs or alcohol. This paper will discuss the recommendations for a healthy pregnancy as well as the effects of drugs and alcohol during pregnancy. In addition, this paper will examine government policies related to the use of alcohol during pregnancy and the ethical struggles facing pregnant women.
A Healthy Pregnancy
The American Dietetic Association states that women who are planning to get pregnant should maintain a healthy lifestyle. The American Dietetic Association goes on to express that pregnant women should maintain an appropriate weigh, eat foods from the Food Guide Pyramid and include vitamin and minerals supplements in their diets (Kaiser & Allen, 2002). In addition, it is recommended to steer clear of alcohol, tobacco and other harmful drugs. Moderate alcohol intake, which is defined as no more than one drink a day during pregnancy has been connected to impaired fetal growth and lower Apgar scores (Kaiser & Allen, 2002). Pregnant women who have particular medical conditions, such as diabetes or substance abuse, should seek the advice of a dietary professional. Prenatal care should start as soon as a woman knows she is pregnant. The Obstetrician or health care provider screens for potential problems, such as, anemia, gestational diabetes, alcohol consumption,...