What are the effects of smoking on an unborn child during the pregnancy?
Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of health problems for developing babies, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth defects of the mouth and lip. Smoking during and after pregnancy also increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Why you should not smoke when pregnant?
Smoking during pregnancy can cause tissue damage in the unborn baby, particularly in the lung and brain, and some studies suggests a link between maternal smoking and cleft lip. Studies also suggest a relationship between tobacco and miscarriage.
Does male smoking cause birth defects?
Researchers3 did find an increased risk of birth defects in the children of male smokers, as well as an increased risk of cancer. This may be related to damage to sperm DNA.
What happens to fetus when smoking?
Smoking during pregnancy raises the risk of your baby being born with birth defects. The most common types of problems are congenital heart defects and problems with the structure of the heart. Other health issues that have been linked to smoking while pregnant include cleft lip and cleft palate.
Is it safe to quit smoking while pregnant?
If you smoke, quitting is the best way to give your baby a healthy start. Quitting smoking at any point during pregnancy can help. But quitting before week 15 of pregnancy provides the greatest benefits for your baby, and quitting before your third trimester can eliminate much of the potential impact on your baby’s birth weight.
How do you stop smoking while pregnant?
Understand the threat – Smoking during pregnancy can cause health problems with both baby and mom.