General hazards to the fetus associated with a denial of pregnancy:
(1) partial or complete lack of prenatal care
(2) problems around the time of delivery
(3) continued exposure to nicotine, alcohol or drugs of abuse
(4) potential exposure to medications
Infants delivered to a mother in denial of the pregnancy may be at increased risk for:
(1) premature birth
(2) small for gestational age
(3) perinatal morbidity and mortality
Hazards to the infant if the mother has a severe psychological problem:
(1) problems in basic care
(2) potential risk for infanticide
(3) potential risk for newborn abandonment
