You may not care much about your health when you decide to smoke. However, when you are pregnant, think about the baby’s health before you pick up a cigarette. Smoking during the pregnancy period affects the health of the baby both before and after the child is born. Nicotine (present in cigarettes) along with carbon monoxide and other harmful chemicals enter the bloodstream of the baby through the mother.

Dangers of smoking during pregnancy will:

• Reduce the amount of oxygen that is available for you and your baby.
• Increase the pulse rate of the baby.
• Increase the possibilities of stillbirth and miscarriages.
• Increase the risks of premature birth.
• Babies born with low birth weight.
• Make the baby more vulnerable to lung and respiratory complications.

The chances of contracting the above risks are directly proportional to the number of cigarettes smoked each day. While a woman is pregnant, there can be no levels of smoking, which can be considered safe.

Dangers of smoking secondhand smoke during pregnancy

Secondhand smoke is also known as passive smoke and environmental tobacco smoke. It is the combination of smoke that arises out of a cigarette and that which is exhaled by the smoker.

The smoke that arises from the burning of the fag end of the cigarette and cigar has far more toxic substances, such as carbon monoxide, tar, and nicotine. This is in comparison with the smoke that is inhaled by the smoker.

Over-exposure to secondhand smoke greatly increases the baby’s and mother’s chances of developing lung cancer, heart ailments, asthma, allergies, and emphysema.

Those babies who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at a greater risk for developing sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS. They are also at a higher risk for developing reduced lung capacity.

Ways to Quit Smoking during Pregnancy

There are many strategies available to help the pregnant woman quit smoking. Consult your doctor to know more about these techniques.

The following are some of the ways you can say goodbye to this deadly habit:

• Let your matches, lighters, and ashtrays be hidden.
• Make your house a no-smoking zone.
• Convince people who smoke near you to give up the habit.
• Consume less caffeinated beverages because caffeine has the tendency to stimulate the urge to smoke. In addition, say no to alcohol because it can increase the urge to smoke. This can prove to be harmful for your baby.
• Alter your habits associated with smoking. If you have a tendency to smoke while driving or when under stress, indulge in other activities to replace the habit.
• Mint or sugar-free gum should be kept handy to counter the urge to smoke.
• Indulge in moderate exercise to divert the mind. This also reduces tension. Go for brisk walks, read a book, or indulge in a favorite hobby.
• Draw support from near and dear ones. Make use of support groups and smoking cessation programs.
• Avoid places where smoking goes on in a rampant manner, such as bars, nightclubs, and other smoking sections of hotels and restaurants.