Smoking is hazardous to one’s health. Unfortunately, it is easy to underestimate the detrimental effects it can have on other people, too. One such group particularly affected by smoking is pregnant women.

This will detail how smoking while pregnant poses grave risks to both the mother and the baby.

Low Birth Weight

Smoking during pregnancy can cause low birth weight. The chemicals from a cigarette harm the baby by constricting the blood vessels. A pregnant woman who smokes has a higher likelihood of giving birth to an underweight baby.

In worse cases, the baby may be born prematurely. A low birth weight can cause prolonged hospitalization after birth, developmental issues, and even infant death.

Developmental Issues

Smoking while pregnant can cause developmental problems to the baby. Every mother wants to raise a healthy child. Unfortunately, smoking causes developmental delays in growth and intellectual ability.

A child exposed to cigarette smoke while in the womb has a higher chance of being diagnosed with ADHD, cognitive deficits, and behavioral issues in their lives.

Baby’s Vulnerability to SIDS

Babies who are exposed to the smoke-heavy environment while in the womb are even more prone to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). A sudden infant death syndrome is a blanket term given to the unexplained death of a healthy-looking baby.

Studies have shown that infants who are regularly exposed to cigarette smoke have a higher risk of death due to sleep-related causes.

Respiratory Issues

Babies whose mothers smoked while pregnant are likely to have asthma later in life. Children exposed to smoke from cigarettes are highly susceptible to bronchitis, pneumonia, coughs, sinusitis, and ear infections.

This is because smoke slows down the respiratory system and hinders lung growth.

Preterm Birth

Smoking while pregnant increases the risk of delivering the baby prematurely.

Studies show that babies born prematurely are more susceptible to other health problems such as respiratory difficulties, heart problems, intestinal difficulties, and many others. In severe cases, a premature birth can lead to infant death.

Placental Issues

Placenta is responsible for transmitting oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the developing fetus. However, women who smoke during pregnancy tend to have placenta issues such as placenta previa and abruptio placentae.

These complications can cause complications such as vaginal bleeding and even infant death.

Smoking while Pregnant can cause birth defects.

While it is agreed that avoiding smoking while pregnant is the logical outcome. Some women still smoke. Smoking during pregnancy can cause birth defects.

Studies have shown that babies born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy have a higher risk of orofacial clefts – these are developmental defects that cause deformities in the lips and palate of the baby. The baby may also have issues with hearing, vision, and even brain development.

Dangerous Chemicals found in Cigarettes

Cigarettes are packed full of dangerous, toxic chemicals, many of which we know about, and others we do not. Some of these chemicals are Ammonia, Benzene, Carbon Monoxide, Formaldehyde, Lead, Tar, and Nicotine.

These chemicals are all harmful to adults, let alone developing fetuses.

Conclusion

Smoking while pregnant is damaging to both the mother and the baby. The risks of lasting or temporary harm include low birth weight, respiratory issues, placental complications, infancy death, and preterm birth, among others.

It’s important that pregnant women quit smoking for the sake of their unborn baby, and also for their future health. Avoiding cigarettes helps ensure that one’s child leads a healthy life free of pollutants and health challenges.