| Every mother to be is greatly concerned with the | | | | - Certain methods of smoking cessation can still be |
| health and well being of her unborn child. For most | | | | harmful to the fetus |
| mothers their children are born perfectly fine because | | | | The Effects of Smoking while Pregnant |
| they are considered low risk pregnancies to begin with | | | | The effects of smoking during pregnancy are |
| or they took the necessary steps to achieve a healthy | | | | abundant and devastating. Here are some of the |
| pregnancy. Pregnancy health issues are different for | | | | ways in which smoking can harm your unborn child |
| each woman; some suffer from diabetes or high blood | | | | and ruin their chance of a healthy start: |
| pressure, which are easily treatable. However, a | | | | - Low birth weight |
| mother to be who is addicted to smoking faces a | | | | - Damage to lungs that cause them to not function |
| more challenging journey through her pregnancy. The | | | | properly |
| health of her child is entirely up to her, there is nothing a | | | | - Smaller than average organs |
| doctor can do to protect the health of that child. Even | | | | - Higher risk of death from SIDS (Sudden - Infant |
| tobacco companies warn mothers to be against | | | | Death Syndrome) |
| smoking, which says a lot coming from companies that | | | | - Sickly child (may become ill frequently) |
| unapologetically sell a product that harms the health of | | | | - Psychological and physical disabilities, including learning |
| a variety of individuals – yet, they understand the | | | | disorders |
| damage that can be done, in particular to an infant. | | | | - Higher risk of becoming smokers themselves |
| Read on to learn the risks of smoking during | | | | Quitting Smoking |
| pregnancy and the effects it can have on an unborn | | | | Some smokers who are also mothers to be are under |
| child. | | | | the misconception that smoking fewer cigarettes will |
| Warning and Risks of smoking While Pregnant | | | | lower the risk of their baby developing health issues as |
| Before you become pregnant you should be aware of | | | | a result of their smoking. However, cutting back on |
| the risks of smoking and pregnancy. Some individuals | | | | smoking is still smoking and the unborn child is still living |
| have trouble conceiving as a result of smoking, and the | | | | in a tainted environment. Therefore they can still fall |
| effectiveness of fertility treatments is greatly | | | | victim to the damaging effects of smoking. The only |
| lowered. Consider the impact smoking has on your | | | | way to ensure the health of an unborn child is to quit |
| unborn child once they are conceived: | | | | smoking altogether during pregnancy. |
| - When you smoke your baby smokes – smoking | | | | Many mothers to be find that concern for the well |
| pollutes your baby’s environment (your womb) and | | | | being of their baby is enough motivation to quit |
| limits their intake of necessary nutrients and access to | | | | smoking, and some can do so cold turkey. Still, there |
| oxygen | | | | are those who struggle and require lots of support |
| - If you continue smoking you may never quit and your | | | | from their doctor or midwife and family and friends. |
| child will be at risk of health issues after birth due to | | | | Ask your doctor what the safest options are for you if |
| exposure to second hand smoke | | | | you think you cannot quit smoking on your own. |
| - Smoking increases your chances of miscarriage, | | | | Develop a smoking cessation plan and get on your |
| premature delivery or still birth | | | | way to a healthy, smoke free pregnancy. |