Secondhand Smoke & Pregnancy: Risks and Concerns

Question
Hi Cheryl,
My wife and I live in an apartment next to a heavy smoker.  Its not so bad, except in the winter months because our furnace pulls the smell of cigarrete smoke into our kitchen...at times it can reak pretty bad.  My wife just found out she was pregnant 2 days ago.  My question is, since the smell is there, could there be chemicals in the air also?  Is she at risk??  and how bad is the risk??  (note:  I don't really talk to the neighbor except for a passing hello sometimes...should I confront him about this??)

Answer
Have you considered moving? Secondhand smoke exposure does pose a significant risk to the baby as far as potentially causing birth defects, low birth weight and/or certain complications. This can also make mom more susceptible to respiratory illnesses which can also pose a threat to the baby. Granted the risks are lower than that of a person whom smokes in the same home as you, but depending on how much smoke is coming in, I would either talk to your renter or consider moving. Secondhand smoke is especially bad for the baby once he/she is born. Good luck!