Boy? Girl? Regular or menthol? Despite the risks of smoking, one in fourteen women said that they smoked while they were pregnant. Smoking can cause significant risks, not only with mom but also with baby.
During the first few days after conception, the fetus is developing rapidly and is highly susceptible to cigarette smoke’s genetic damage. Each cigarette contains 4,000 chemicals. Those chemicals, which include nicotine, are then passed through the mother’s lungs, flowing to the placenta. Nicotine narrows the blood vessels, thus reducing blood flow to the baby. This restriction of blood flows means a reduction in oxygen and nutrients to the baby, which increases the chances of having a miscarriage.
Electronic cigarettes, commonly known as e-cigs or vape pens, have emerged as an alternative to cigarette smoking. Most e-cigarettes, however, still contain nicotine, which is addictive and toxic to developing fetuses. E-cigarettes are considered unsafe for youth, young adults, pregnant women, and adults who do not use tobacco products.
Secondhand smoke is just as dangerous, and both can cause placental abruption. Placental abruption occurs when the placenta partly or completely separates from the uterus’s inner wall before delivery. This can decrease or block the baby's supply of oxygen and nutrients and cause heavy bleeding in the mother.
Placental abruption can cause life-threatening problems for both mother and baby.
It’s never too late to ask for help to quit smoking. The earlier that you decide to quit smoking, the better off you and baby will be.
Some forms of help include:
Although smoking is on the decline in the United States, there is still more work to continue decreasing that percentage. When you smoke, your baby smokes. If you are pregnant and currently smoking, talk to your physician about your options to quit smoking.