Smoking During Pregnancy Risks?

It is a well known fact that smoking is harmful for you. But if you smoke when you are pregnant, you are putting the life and health of your baby in great danger.

Babies who have been exposed to cigarette smoke in the womb (either directly through the mother or through second-hand smoke) receive less food and oxygen. Women who smoke are at greater risk of ‘placenta previa’. This is a serious condition in which the placenta covers the cervix. Even worse, they may get ‘placental abruption’, in which the placenta completely separates from the uterine wall, and thus denies any oxygen to the baby. This happens because the placenta is deprived of oxygen and nutrients and spreads further in the uterus trying to get sufficient supplies.

Because of this deprivation, the baby is more likely to be born prematurely or with a low birth weight. This in turn, is associated with many health problems including poor lung function. Such babies suffer various breathing problems such as apnea (breathing lapses), which is a major cause of crib death or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Such babies not only have low birth weight, they may also have smaller head circumference and shorter length. Low birth weight makes them weaker and more vulnerable to newborn death or infant illness.

Women who smoke during pregnancy are at greater risk of stillbirth or miscarriage. This is because smoking often causes premature rupturing of the uterine membranes, leading to preterm labor.

Women who smoke have greater chances of having babies with genetic defects like cleft lip or cleft palate. Such children are also more prone to more physical diseases and problems such as cancer, tuberculosis, asthma, food allergies and ear infections. They also suffer intellectual problems such as hyperactivity or attention disorders, while some may develop psychotic symptoms like delusions or hallucinations.

Mothers who smoke heavily have increased vaginal bleeding after delivery, and are also more prone to postpartum depression.

It is best to quit smoking when you become pregnant. This will help you have a healthy baby. Do not resume smoking when you are breastfeeding, because research tests have revealed traces of nicotine in the milk of women smokers.

Write down the reasons why you should quit smoking, and look at it every time the urge to smoke hits you. Select a ‘quit day’ and throw away all your cigarettes, ashtrays and lighters. Ask your family, partner and friends to help you stick to your resolve.

Submitted by P T on March 24, 2010 at 03:37

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