Smoking and motherhood

Create a healthier home for you and your baby.  If you quit smoking, you and your baby can enjoy these benefits:

• healthier breast milk
• less chance of your child having allergies
• fewer coughs and colds for you and your baby
• less risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• less risk of your child having acute respiratory infections, ear problems, ear problems and more severe asthma
• a better chance of enjoying a long and healthy life together

Smoking is very harmful to all women, but especially women who are pregnant.  

Pregnant women who smoke are more likely to have:

Placenta Abruption This condition is where the placenta pulls off the wall of the uterus either before or during labor, necessitating an immediate delivery, usually via cesarean section. A smoker’s placenta is thinner, making it more susceptible to an abruption.

Placenta Previa  Again because of the smoker’s thin placenta, it is more likely to cover the mouth of the uterus, the cervix - placenta previa. This can cause bleeding during the pregnancy. It also makes vaginal birth dangerous and a cesarean becomes necessary due to the risk of hemorrhage of mom and baby.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Babies born to mothers who smoke are more likely to die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Preterm Labor If you smoke your body is more likely to try to end your pregnancy sooner by placing your in premature labor in an effort to protect your baby from the harmful side effects of smoking. The problem? Babies born even slightly prematurely have a greater risk of death and other complications. The sooner the baby is born, the more likely you baby is to die or have serious complications, including mental retardation and cerebral palsy.

Stillbirth Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of your baby dying during your pregnancy.

Low Birth Weight Birth weight is an important factor in your baby’s health. The smaller the baby, the more at risk for many problems. In fact, low birth weight is one of the top reasons for babies to be ill and die in the first months of life.

Colic Recent studies show that if you smoke your baby is more likely to have colic.

Respiratory Infections If you smoked during pregnancy or if your baby is surrounded by second hand smoke, your baby will be more likely to be ill, have asthma and other respiratory problems.

Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM)
Your water breaking too early is another risk of smoking in pregnancy. It can also lead to premature birth.

Miscarriage If you smoke, you could have trouble staying pregnant. It can also decrease your fertility.

The good news is that no matter when you quit your baby is getting benefits, even if it is late in your pregnancy. So don't think you've missed your opportunity. Quit today for the most benefits to you and baby.