The dangers of smoking and second hand smoke are widely known. It only stands to reason that the dangers of smoking during pregnancy are also extended to the unborn baby. There has been studies and research done regarding this topic. The effects of smoking during pregnancy have been shown during these studies. Medical problems have been positively linked to smoking during pregnancy. The baby was still in danger if the mother didn’t smoke but was exposed to second hand smoke. Keep reading to learn about the serious consequences of smoking while pregnant.
The best way to quit if you are pregnant and smoke is to see either your family doctor or your prenatal doctor. You can quit smoking using various methods, approaches, and products. But be aware that some of these quitting aids still contain nicotine. Nicotine patches send nicotine into your bloodstream which can still be absorbed by your baby. The nicotine in these patches is still a threat to your child’s health even if it is better than inhaling the hundreds of carcinogenic chemicals found in cigarettes. Discussing the best approach for you with your doctor is still the recommended way to go. Low birth weight is known as a common issue when mom has smoked throughout the pregnancy this issue has also been known to cause other complications for the baby. Newborns suffering from low birth weight conditions make up more than 20 percent of all births nationwide. Smoking during pregnancy is also known to cause preterm labor in some women. Approximately 14% of preterm labors can be attributed to smoking during pregnancy. One statistic is particularly sad in that even SIDS can be related to smoking during pregnancy. Even the ALA agrees with this statistic.
Parents naturally want their child to do well and to excel, including academically. One of the consequences of smoking before the baby is born has to do with negative effects on the baby’s brain. It all has to do with the unborn baby receiving insufficient amounts of oxygen from the mother. The precise effect this will have in later years is difficult to determine. Still, there are definite correlations between the mother having smoked during pregnancy and children with a range of learning problems.
The common problems associated with smoking during pregnancy can be eliminated if you quit. In this case, the choice is pretty black and white. Researching all the possible risks to your baby will provide further motivation to quit if you need it. Still births and a higher risk of SIDS are some of the most serious risks. The evidence shows just how extremely harmful smoking while pregnant is for your baby.