Problems With Smoking During Pregnancy
There are many things that we know about smoking during pregnancy. We know that the woman who smokes during her pregnancy has a baby who gets less food and oxygen than her non-smoking pregnant counterparts. We know that certain risk factors are increased for these women. These risk factors include:
You are more likely to have a miscarriage. Your baby is more likely to die before birth. Smoking can cause placenta previa (a dangerous situation where the placenta covers the cervix). It can cause a placental abruption (where the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus denying oxygen to your baby). It increases your risk of a preterm birth. Babies born too early can suffer more breathing problems and have longer hospital stays. It increases the chances of your baby learning difficulties as a child. There is a higher incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS or crib death) in babies born to mothers who smoked or who are exposed to second-hand smoke after birth. Smoking increases the chance of fetal growth restriction (IUGR).
Now we even know that babies who have been exposed to smoking in the womb, even second-hand smoke, have more genetic defects. When pregnant women smoke, blood vessels—including those supplying the placenta—constrict. Blood flow is compromised and the fetus may be deprived of oxygen and nutrients. The risk of placental abruption, premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, is increased. Because of this deprivation, the baby may show signs of growth retardation (IUGR). This can also lead to preterm labor or premature rupture of the membranes because the body feels that the baby can no longer be fed properly. We also know that smoking is an addiction. Women need support and assistance to quit smoking. There are special programs available to pregnant women and those thinking about conceiving. Talk to your doctor or midwife about using medical help like the patches, while these still have nicotine to help with cravings, you are not getting the other harmful substances associated with smoking.
