Smoking During Pregnancy: Risks and Support for Quitting

Smokers know the health risks especially during pregnancy. The problems don't stop with pregnancy they can continue after childbirth as well. It's unfortunate to realize that even though you should quit upon discovering pregnancy many will not. However quitting is the best option for you and your baby. You will have an easier time of it if you get the right amount of support when quitting.

Did you know that all of the tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide you inhale is being transferred to your baby. You might not realize that your second hand smoke will damage your baby's lungs in some harsh ways. Complications are likely when lung damage has been caused. Your baby needs oxygen to live and develop properly.

One complication of smoking while pregnant is low birth weight which can cause a multitude of other complications for your baby. It is a proven fact that more than 20 percent of all babies born nationally are born with low birth weight conditions. Preterm labor is also common in mothers who smoke during pregnancy. Infant mortality can be attributed to smoking during pregnancy including SIDS. The truth of this statistic has been proven by the American Lung Association.

A significant number of low birth weight babies are blamed on the mothers addiction to nicotine during pregnancy there are many additional risks too. Sudden infant death is the biggest risk of smoking while pregnant.

It's a fact that you cannot avoid the risks of smoking while pregnant and they are potentially severe. The unborn fetus doesn't have a chance to make a decision to live or die when you are smoking during pregnancy you are making that decision for them. If you plan to nurse after the baby is born avoid smoking then too as the nicotine affects breast milk too. It's ultra important for you to quit and we hope to have given you the motivation to do so. Discuss quitting with your physician he'll have some great advice. Join HRU for programs that focus on triage management and nursing leadership role. An HRU seminar is a great educational investment for your nursing staff.