Despite all the attention given to Covid 19 this year, it’s important to review all the activities you can control in your life. Smoking is one of those. And while quitting cigarettes may seem difficult, not quitting has more serious consequences.
Most parents probably know that smoking causes cancer, heart disease, and other major health problems. It should come as no surprise that smoking when you’re pregnant causes health problems for your baby, including premature birth, certain birth defects, and infant death.
Don’t Put Your Baby at Risk
Smoking during pregnancy is linked with a range of poor birth outcomes—including:
- Low birth weight and premature birth
- Restricted head growth
- Placental problems
- Increased risk of still birth
- Increased risk of miscarriage
After birth, the health and developmental consequences among children have also been linked to smoking when during pregnancy, including:
- Poorer lung function, persistent wheezing, and asthma
- Visual difficulties
The Benefits of Quitting
Quitting smoking will help you feel better and provide a healthier environment for your baby. Unfortunately, smoking by pregnant women is common. In 2014, 8.4 percent of women smoked at any time during pregnancy. And only 1/5 of women who smoked during the first 6 months of pregnancy quit by their third trimester.
Quitting smoking is good for you and your baby. When mothers (and fathers who contribute to 2nd hand smoke) quit smoking, they not only increase their own life expectancy but also decrease the health risks of their own children.
Sun Pediatrics in Marietta
Dr. Hari and the entire staff of Sun Pediatrics urge you to quit smoking when you’re pregnant. Feel better and provide a healthier environment for your baby. Quitting smoking is good for you and your baby. Call Dr. Hari of Sun Pediatrics to schedule an appointment and get acquainted with the pediatrician Marietta and East Cobb families call first.
Smoking When You’re Pregnant is Not a Good Idea
For Help & Advice, Call Sun Pediatrics (678) 501-5601
More sources of information:
https://www.drugabuse.gov/
https://www.cdc.gov/
