Describe the Prenatal Perinatal and Postnatal Causes of Mental Retardation?

Answer 1

Perinatal causes of mental retardation can be genetic, lack of proper nutrition, drug abuse and injury to the fetus inside the uterus (such as a mother being abused or in an accident), lack of oxygen to the fetus, smoking and chemical injury. Prenatal causes can be genetic, the mother's failure to care for herself properly throughout her life, drug abuse and smoking. Postnatal causes can be premature birth, drug abuse, chemical damage (such as through nursing or feeding or child being exposed to a harmful chemical). Other causes can be brain injury arfter birth or during toddler years or even a dire sickness that affects brain cells. Some children can be brain damaged by seizures but not cause mental retardation. Some people do not use that term now but rather use "developmentally disabled" or "brain injured".

It is best to eat a proper diet, never smoke, read all medication instructions and warnings before, during and after pregnancy. If you are concerned about genetic problems you can be tested. It is important not to do unsafe things while you are pregnant (such as climbing ladders, climibing chairs, lifting too much weight and thinking you can do everything you did before...modertation and wisdom is needed). Avoid alcohol at all costs and quit smoking if you are a smoker. If you are an addict get help. When the child is born keep an eye on it at all times and never let another person harm him or her. Always use child restraints in all automobiles, planes and trains. Watch other children around babies too.

If you have a developmentaly disabled child be patient, love him and her and have fun teaching and doing things together. Use all support systems from family, government and schools.