Similar to drug use and high consumption of alcohol, smoking is dangerous to you and your unborn baby. Cigarette smoke is filled with cancer-causing chemicals that can increase your risk for many dangerous pregnancy complications. In addition, the chemicals in cigarettes are delivered to your baby via the placenta, which can cause serious complications. Every pregnant women should avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
Risks for You
Smoking during pregnancy puts you at risk for developing several conditions that can affect your health and the well-being of your baby. According to the March of Dimes, women who smoke are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption before delivery, placenta previa or placenta that blocks the opening of uterus, and vaginal bleeding. Your risk for these condition doubles if you smoke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Risks for Your Baby
The two most harmful ingredients in cigarette smoke are carbon monoxide and nicotine, according to Dr. James Christmas, the director of Maternal Fetal Medicine for Commonwealth Perinatal Associates at Henrico Doctors' Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. Carbon monoxide and nicotine limit oxygen delivery for your baby and cause serious complications, such as low birth weight, underdeveloped lungs, heart defects, cleft lip and premature delivery. In addition, according to the BabyCenter, smoking doubles the risk of stillbirth. Children born to smoking women are also more likely to develop behavioral problems, low IQs and learning disorders. In addition, according to the CDC, babies born to smokers have 1.4 to 3 times higher risk to die of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS.
Secondhand Smoke
Exposure to secondhand smoke is just as, or potentially even more harmful, to your unborn baby According to the Pregnancy-info.net, secondhand smoke contains higher levels of tar, carbon monoxide, nicotine and ammonia than the smoke being inhaled by a smoker. Spending time in a room full of secondhand smoke forces you to inhale these chemicals and pass them to your baby. According to the CDC, pregnant women exposed to secondhand smoke have 20 percent higher odds of giving birth to a baby with low birth weight than non-exposed women.
How to Quit
Quitting smoking is difficult. The medications that can help you quit are usually not recommended when you are pregnant, making your quitting efforts even more challenging. According to the BabyCenter, you can try quitting "cold turkey" or gradually reduce your smoking. Keep yourself busy by doing chores and other physical activities that distract yourself from your cravings. Snack on raw vegetables, berries or fruits to replace the need of cigarette in your mouth. Also, keeping your hands busy with activities, such as knitting or crocheting, can help. Avoid people, places and events that tempt you to smoke. In addition, talking to an expert or counselor can help by offering support and tips on how to quit.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; What Do We Know About Tobacco Use and Pregnancy; January 2011
- March Of Dimes: Alcohol and Drugs
- BabyCenter; How Smoking During Pregnancy Affects You and Your Baby; Chris Woolston; April 2011
- Pregnancy-Info.net: Second Hand Smoke and Pregnancy
- BabyCenter; Quitting Smoking During Pregnancy: Compare Your Options; Chris Woolston
