Smoking during pregnancy

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

Comments 5 5

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priincessx
Reply priincessx 6 months ago
i was used to smoke about a packet a day, then as soon as i found out i was pregnant i immediately cut down to 1 or 2 a day and about 2 weeks after i totally quit :) it hasnt been that easy to stop, but my babys health is more important than having a daily dose of poison :P
cherylh1981
Reply cherylh1981 6 months ago
i smoked with my 1st child all the way through,no problems.I give up the day i found out this time and miscarried on 19th april,it doesn't seem right,but i know i did the right thing by quitting for the baby
heather20
Reply heather20 6 months ago
i stopped the minute i found out, i was 6 weeks then and now am 36 weeks. i found it hard but once you get past the 3rd day i found i was ok, i dont even think about it anymore. It did help though that my bf didnt smoke so i was in a smoke free zone :)

good luck every1 x
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