Smoking during pregnancy is a most common debate.
Most individuals know that smoking may lead to serious health issues, including cancer. Moreover, smoking during pregnancy might have catastrophic consequences. Your child could be delivered too soon, have a congenital disability, or succumb to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). You and your kid might have health issues just from being around smoking.
The ideal time to stop smoking is before becoming pregnant. But even if you’re already expecting, giving up smoking can help shield both you and the unborn child from health issues.
There is no assurance that your subsequent pregnancy will be healthy, even if you previously smoked and had a healthy pregnancy. Smoking during pregnancy is dangerous for both you and the unborn child.
Effects of Smoking on Pregnancies Health
- Smoking increases a woman’s risk of never becoming pregnant and makes expecting a child more difficult.
- Smoking during pregnancy can harm the developing fetus’ tissues, particularly the lungs and brain.
- Studies have also shown a connection between smoking and miscarriages. Carbon monoxide from smoking can cause an inadequate amount of oxygen intake in a developing infant. Several substances in tobacco smoke can potentially damage growing human fetuses.
Some other risks that are caused due to smoking during pregnancy are:
Placental abruption
The “lifeline” structure that develops during pregnancy to supply the fetus with nourishment and oxygen is the placenta. The risk of numerous placenta-related problems is significantly increased by smoking. Abruption of the placenta is one such issue. Before giving birth, the placenta separates from the uterus in this syndrome. A placenta abruption can result in severe bleeding and endanger both the mother’s and the unborn child’s lives.
Preterm Birth
When a baby is born too soon, that is known as preterm birth. Premature birth is linked to specific health problems:
- hearing and visual impairments
- mental illness
- behavioural and educational issues
- complications that could be fatal
Low Baby Weight
Low baby weight goes beyond simply giving birth to a little infant. A newborn’s weight is reduced because of smoking before or during pregnancy. Other health issues and impairments might result from low birth rates. The number of fatalities caused by low birth weight has decreased due to medical advancements. However, it’s still a severe disease that may lead to cerebral palsy, hearing or vision issues and developmental delay. In extreme circumstances, low birth weight might result in the infant’s demise.
Birth Abnormalities
The probability of giving birth to a physically challenged child is much more when a pregnant woman smokes more often. Congenital cardiac abnormalities and difficulties with the heart’s structure are typical issues. Women smoking during pregnancy has also been associated with cleft lip and palate deformities.
In addition to exposing your kid to smoking, postpartum smoking is dangerous because nicotine and other toxins like lead, arsenic, and formaldehyde wind up in breast milk, which is then given to your child. According to studies, smoking alters the content of your breast milk and may even cause your body to produce less of it.
Depending on how frequently you smoke, different amounts of nicotine can be found in your breast milk. According to some data, infants of mothers who smoked five or more cigarettes per day or more were more likely to have trouble falling asleep. They may also scream or complain for extended periods.
The Dangers of Smoking While Breastfeeding
If you smoke while feeding, your infant might experience the following:
- Develop long-term respiratory issues such as allergies or asthma
- Difficulty falling asleep or reduced sleep
- More likely to contract common childhood ailments, including colds and ear infections
- Difficulty with intestinal issues
- Developing behavioural issues and crying more frequently
Conclusion
Pregnancy differs from case to case so consultation with a doctor is essential. But to avoid complications in pre-pregnancy to post-pregnancy duration we suggest avoiding smoking during pregnancy.
In west Uttar Pradesh, you can contact the best Gynaecologist in Noida, Agra, Firozabad and Aligarh of Ravi Hospital Group for more details.
Disclaimer
This article should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your treating Physician or Gynaecologist for more details.