Smoking during pregnancy

Smoking is one of the most damaging things you can do to your unborn baby.

When you inhale cigarette smoke, carbon monoxide and nicotine cross the placenta and prevent your baby from receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients. The effects have been linked to miscarriage, stillbirth, damage to the placenta, a higher risk of abnormalities and premature labor and birth.

Its effects can continue after your baby’s birth too, in the form of low birthweight; an increased risk of SIDS; and higher incidence of meningococcal infections, middle ear infections, asthma, bronchitis, childhood cancers and hyperactivity.

It’s worth quitting whatever point you’ve reached in your pregnancy; if you stop before the fourth month, the risk to your baby is considerably reduced. (If your partner smokes it’s important that he stops too, as secondhand smoke can be just as harmful.)

Use distractions to help you cope – reach for a book or a healthful snack at those times when you’d normally have a cigarette, or go for a walk instead. Keep your hands busy – worry beads are handy! It’s also good to make a list of all the reasons why you quit the habit and look at it if you’re tempted to smoke. Ask your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife before you try nicotine patches or gum, as there’s a risk these may also affect your baby.

For help and support when quitting smoking, call the American Cancer Society’s Quitline 1-800-227-2345