Risks of Smoking During Pregnancy: Impact on Fetal Development

Question
I have a friend, who is 19, and she is 8 months pregnant. She was a heavy drinker and she smoked cigarettes. After finding out she was pregnant, she gave up drinking, but not smoking. You see, it was hard for her to give up alcohol, so she continues to smoke to make up for the loss of alcohol. Now, she is 8 months pregnant, and I know that smoking while pregnant can cause harmful effects to the baby. Is it possible that the baby can be born without being affected by her smoking, because I am worried about this baby boy?


Answer
Dear Mia

If your friend stopped drinking early in pregnancy, the baby will not probably suffer any deformities associated with alcohol drinking. Alcohol effect on pregnancy is not cumulative. The most common hazards of smoking are preterm dlivery, with its sequelae, and the delivery of growth retarded fetus. If ur friend is having regular antenatal care and proper ultrasound scanning, she should know by now the status of her baby's growth. If diagnosed with growth retardation or have any sign of preterm labor, there should be adequate facility to transfer her to hospital without delay.

Good Luck