Smoking while you are pregnant lowers the amount of oxygen available to you and your growing baby and also increases your baby's heart rate. Smoking can also increase the risk that your baby is born prematurely and/or born with a low birth weight. Smoking while you are pregnant can also increase your baby's risk of developing respiratory problems like pneumonia and even respiratory distress syndrome, which makes a baby have difficulty expanding their lungs and taking in oxygen.
Secondhand smoke can also affect a mother and a baby's health. Secondhand smoke is the combination of smoke from a burning cigarette and smoke exhaled by a smoker. The smoke that burns off the end of the cigarette actually contains more harmful substances then the smoke inhaled by the smoker. Babies exposed to secondhand smoke may also develop reduced lung capacity and are at a higher risk for sudden infant death, also known as SIDS.
For women who are pregnant and want to quit smoking, there are a few tips you can follow. You can stay active to keep your mind off smoking and help relieve tension. You can also talk a walk, exercise, read a book, or try a new hobby. Another good idea is to look for support from others. You could join a support group or smoking cessation program. Don't even tempt yourself by going places where people are smoking such as bars or clubs, and smoking sections of restaurants.
In closing, if you are pregnant and have a problem with smoking, you really need to get help as soon as possible. There is a little life being created inside of you who is depending on you to take care of yourself so you can in return take care of them. Don't jeopardize the life of your unborn child to get a quick nicotine rush. It is your job to be the best mother to your child at all costs.
