Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, notes BabyCenter.com, including cyanide and lead, as well as at least 60 cancer-causing compounds. During pregnancy, all these things enter your bloodstream, which is your baby's only source of oxygen and nutrients. Some of the most dangerous chemicals in cigarette smoke are nicotine and carbon monoxide. Smoking during pregnancy can affect both your health and your baby's health. There are several consequences of smoking during pregnancy that you should be aware of.
Low Birth Weight
Smoking increases your risk of having a low birth weight baby. Your baby may be born at a weight underneath the normal weight for your baby's gestational age. A low birth weight baby is at higher risk for developing complications. Premature and low birth weight babies face an increased risk of serious health problems during the newborn period, chronic lifelong disabilities (such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation and learning problems) and, even, death, reports the March of Dimes. Babies that are born at a low birth weight may need to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) following birth, which may delay bringing your baby home from the hospital.
Placental Complications
A consequence of smoking during pregnancy is the development of placental complications. Placenta previa is more common in women who smoke during pregnancy. Placenta previa is when the placenta covers all or part of the cervix. A placental abruption may also occur in women who smoke. During an abruption, all or part of the placenta tears away from the uterine wall. Both can result in heavy bleeding during delivery, which can endanger both mother and baby. However, cesarean delivery can prevent most deaths, states the March of Dimes. Placental complications are usually diagnosed on ultrasound prior to delivery. Women who suffer from placental complications may require extensive surgery and multiple blood transfusions.
Newborn Complications
Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy are especially vulnerable to asthma and have double or, even, triple the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), reports BabyCenter.com. Babies of smokers may experience nicotine withdrawal in the newborn period. They may seem jittery and have difficulty with feedings. Smoking during pregnancy may also harm your baby's brain. A low IQ, learning disorders and behavioral problems have been associated with nicotine exposure in utero, warns BabyCenter.com.
