Pregnancy is an exciting time for parents-to-be. Some mothers find it difficult to quit smoking prior to or during their pregnancies. Cigarette smoke contains over 2,000 chemicals, with two of the most dangerous substances being nicotine and carbon monoxide. Using nicotine replacement methods such as the patch or gum still exposes the fetus to nicotine, but at lesser amounts than through smoking. If you are pregnant and smoking, speak to your obstetrician. They will be able to provide you with additional resources to help you quit.
Low Birth Weight
Nicotine exposure during pregnancy may double a woman's risk of delivering a low-birthweight infant. Low-birthweight 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.
Premature Birth
The effect of nicotine on the fetus may lead to preterm birth. Preterm is considered a birth prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy. Babies who are born preterm are at higher risk for breathing difficulties, feeding intolerance, and growth and developmental delays. These babies may require stays in a hospital's intensive care unit.
Placental Complications
Nicotine exposure during pregnancy may lead to placental complications. Placenta previa (when the placenta covers part or all of the cervical opening) or placental abruption (when the placenta pulls away from the uterine wall) may occur. Both of these conditions put you at risk for increased bleeding during your pregnancy and will increase your risk of needing a C-section delivery. Placental abruption can lead to vaginal bleeding in late pregnancy, premature birth, fetal distress and even fetal death.
Future Complications
Babies who are exposed to smoke suffer from more lower-respiratory illnesses (such as bronchitis and pneumonia) and ear infections than do other babies, states the March of Dimes. There is also a higher incidence of asthma and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in babies who were exposed to nicotine in utero.
