Why Shouldnt I Smoke During Pregnancy?

There are a lot of good reasons to quit smoking, but isn't your baby the most compelling? Researchers agree that smoking during pregnancy can be a leading contributor to a range of health problems, both for the mother and the baby.

Smoking during pregnancy increases the amount of nicotine and carbon monoxide, both poisonous, in the mother's bloodstream. These chemicals restrict the blood vessels and limit the amount of oxygen and nutrients traveling to the placenta, the tissue that nourishes the baby. With less oxygen and nutrients reaching the placenta, the growth of the baby is inhibited. Babies born to smoking mothers are more likely to be premature and, if carried to full term, smaller and underweight. These conditions often mean special care and longer hospital stays for babies born to smoking mothers.

Oxygen deprivation from smoking during pregnancy has been linked to ectopic, or tubal, pregnancies, miscarriages and fetal brain damage. Some studies even suggest smoking can be a contributing factor in sudden infant death syndrome.

Smoking may affect the infant's blood pressure, and lead to learning and developmental problems, such as Attention Deficit Disorder and mental retardation. Additionally, smokers' babies tend to have respiratory disorders during childhood, including asthma.

Of course, birth doesn't' remove the baby from danger. Smoking often interferes with breastfeeding, reducing milk supply. Nicotine is also passed through the breast milk to the baby, causing colic, cramping, nausea and diarrhea. Exposure to second hand smoke is also a risk. Infants can absorb even more nicotine in their respiratory systems than from breast milk, increasing their risk of breathing problems.

There are two excellent reasons to quit smoking right away, your health and your baby's health!

Maria writes for Pregnancy Due Date, a site that tries to information for expectant mothers. For more great pregnancy articles, visit our Pregnancy articles archive.

---

Pregnancy and Tanning Bed - Think Before You Tan

With summer coming near, you would love to put on... Read More

Postpartum Depression - Recognizing The Signs

In some cases, bringing home your brand new baby doesn't... Read More

Train While You Gain - Why a Personal Trainer Can Make a Difference During Your Pregnancy

The average woman will gain between 25 and 30 pounds... Read More

Weight Gain During Pregnancy, and Weight Loss After Pregnancy

How much weight gain is normal during pregnancy, and will... Read More

Is Pregnancy Changes You?

People say pregnancy is a fun and exciting time. Probably... Read More

What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

Ectopic is another way of saying "out of place". An... Read More

Hyperpigmentation - Skin Discoloration - Pregnancy Mask

First and foremost I want to start by emphasizing that... Read More

Preparing for a Vaginal Birth after Cesarean

WHY LACK OF SUPPORT?Several years ago, ACOG, American College of... Read More

How Fast Will I Lose The Weight I Gained During Pregnancy?

Remember as with any weight loss and exercise program, moderation... Read More

Pregnancy and Exercise, How to Stay Fit While Being Pregnant

EXERCISE SAFELYThe first thing to understand when you exercise during... Read More

Five Ways to Read Your Bodys Changes before Pregnancy Test

What are the most unforgettable changes happen to your body... Read More

Successful Weight Loss After Pregnancy

How fast you lose weight will depend on a number... Read More

Kegel Exercise for a Healthy Pregnancy

With Kegal exercise, your pregnancy can be more comfortable before,... Read More

The Truth About Labor and Childbirth

Labor and childbirth was an amazing, positive experience for me,... Read More

How To Eat A Healthy Diet During Pregnancy

Perhaps the number one complaint of women trying to watch... Read More

How do I Calculate My Pregnancy Due Date?

You're pregnant! The next question is: When is the baby... Read More

Pregnancy Week By Week

There are three stages of pregnancy. These are the first,... Read More

Common Sense Approach To Weight Loss After A Pregnancy

Every woman gains weight while she is pregnant. This is... Read More

Dealing With Common Pregnancy Complaints

Pregnancy is not without its side effects. During pregnancy your... Read More

Weight Loss After Pregnancy - The Final Word

One point can't be emphasized enough. Weight loss takes time... Read More

Its Not A Sin For Pregnant Women To Have A Massage

Getting pregnant is really a moment of joy. Don't get... Read More

Labor and Delivery

This is it - the finish line. You and your... Read More

Life After Birth

LIFE AFTER BIRTH: THE FIRST 6 WEEKSLife after birth can... Read More

Avoiding Episiotomy During Childbirth

I coached as my wife was delivering our third child.... Read More

Pregnancy Sex - Its A Wonderful Thing!

Mums to be can often get worried about having sex... Read More

Very Early Symptoms of Pregnancy - Do You Know These Very Early Pregnancy Signs?

Very early symptoms of pregnancy -- what are they? If... Read More

Things You Should Avoid During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time where you have to be careful... Read More

Maintaining Balance During Your Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a beautiful time. And it is also a... Read More

Baby Essentials - A Guide For First Time Mums

Are you a first time expectant mum wandering around the... Read More

Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Selecting a present for a new mom or dad can... Read More

After Birth Weight Control

After having given birth; weight becomes a lasting issue for... Read More

Pregnancy Fashion - Look And Feel Great During Your Pregnancy!

Have you ever wondered what makes women tick? Well among... Read More

Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy

Many women have questions about the types of food that... Read More