Smoking is the leading cause of birth defects and can be deadly for your baby’s health. From premature birth to low birth weight and even stillbirth, the risks of smoking during pregnancy are numerous. Babies would be healthier if mothers quit smoking, whether firsthand or secondhand. While conditions like hypertension and diabetes can be managed with medication, smoking can only be stopped by quitting. Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, including lead, cyanide, and at least 60 cancer-causing compounds.
When you smoke during pregnancy, these toxins enter your bloodstream, which is your baby’s only source of oxygen and nutrients. Nicotine and carbon monoxide (CO) are particularly harmful. Nicotine restricts oxygen by narrowing blood vessels, including those in the umbilical cord, and CO binds to red blood cells, reducing oxygen supply. This can result in low birth weight, premature delivery, and even stillbirth.
Babies are more sensitive to nicotine than adults. Nicotine can penetrate the placenta, harming growth and development due to the reduced oxygen supply. Smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of low birth weight and stillbirth.
Every cigarette smoked raises the risks associated with pregnancy. Even smoking a few cigarettes a day can tighten blood vessels and adversely affect your baby’s health. Smoking a pack a day can reduce a baby’s birth weight by a pound or more. Undersized babies often have underdeveloped lungs and may need respiratory support. Children of smokers are also more prone to asthma and a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
If a mother smokes during the first trimester, her baby is more likely to have a heart defect. A study by the CDC in the US found that the chances of congenital heart defects could be up to 70% higher in babies of mothers who smoked. This includes issues such as blocked blood flow from the right side of the heart to the lungs and holes in the heart’s upper chambers.
Smoking can also affect the baby’s brain development, potentially leading to lower IQ, behavioral problems, and learning difficulties. Research has shown that smoking during pregnancy causes DNA changes in the baby. These changes can affect lung and nervous system development and are linked to smoking-related cancers and birth issues like cleft lip and palate.
Secondhand smoke is equally dangerous. It combines smoke from a lit cigarette and the smoke exhaled by smokers, containing harmful substances like CO, tar, and nicotine. Inhaling secondhand smoke can lead to cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other health problems for both mother and baby. It can also increase the risk of frequent colds, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, and learning problems in children.
Quitting smoking before or as soon as you find out you’re pregnant significantly improves the chances of having a healthy baby. Even quitting in the first or second trimester can make a big difference. After quitting, your baby will receive the oxygen necessary for proper growth, and doctors will likely notice improved growth rates.
To quit smoking successfully, you might need help from doctors or support groups. Different strategies work for different people. Try removing any smoking triggers, such as lighters and ashtrays. Engage in activities like meditation, walking, or reading to manage stress instead of smoking. Avoid situations that trigger the urge to smoke, such as drinking alcohol or coffee.
The benefits of quitting smoking start almost immediately. Your baby’s chances of developing breathing problems and heart issues decrease as soon as you stop. Withdrawal symptoms are temporary and far less harmful than continued smoking. Stay motivated by focusing on the health benefits for your baby and yourself.
In summary, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.