Pregnancy And Baby Care Articles During Pregnancy

...bleeding, ectopic pregnancy, premature rupture of membranes, and premature detaching of the placenta. The effects of tobacco during pregnancy are very pronounced as the baby tends to develop psychological problems and has difficulties in learning and cognitive processes. Smoking during pregnancy risks the behavioral patterns of the child later and can result in problems such as limited attention span, impulsivity, and underdeveloped intelligence. Research shows that nicotine in tobacco tends to bring irreversible changes in the gene codes that put off DNA repair genes. It also turns off the genes that help in protecting the body from cancers.

The other hazards of smoking during pregnancy are low birth weight babies who are more susceptible to diseases and death in early childhood. Smoking during pregnancy risks the wellbeing of the baby to a large extent, so much so that it can cause mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and other lifelong disabilities. One of the reasons behind these effects in babies is that cigarette smoke blocks the baby from getting enough oxygen and food. The placenta is deprived of oxygen and essential nutrients. The babies born to mothers who smoked in pregnancy are difficult to soothe and edgy. Smoking in pregnancy can cause heavy bleeding in the mother;, create placental problems and other health problems. This may lead to a condition called placenta previa, wherein the placenta covers the cervix. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of placental abruption, a condition in which the placenta dislodges itself from the uterine wall totally depriving the fetus of oxygen.

Knowing well the effects tobacco has on pregnancy, it is advisable to quit smoking in pregnancy. The best way to avoid smoking is to take help from your spouse or a friend, who will motivate you to quit. Draw a list of the smoking during pregnancy risks and call it a day. Throw away all your cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays, and avoid anything that prompts you to smoke. Take it one day at time and do not lose courage. Switch to eating healthy food and get ample rest to cope with the withdrawal effects. You are on the right track for pregnancy and smoking cannot go in tandem.

Read more articles from the During Pregnancy Category.