Benefits of a Smoke-Free Pregnancy
Smoking is known to have an effect on the baby before it is born. All of the chemicals in cigarettes pass through the placenta to the baby. Of particular effect to the baby is nicotine and carbon monoxide, two of the largest components of cigarette smoke. These chemicals reduce the amount of blood flow the baby receives.
A baby exposed to tobacco smoke in-utero and through passive smoking as an infant is more likely to develop type II diabetes mellitus, heart disease, kidney disease and be obese as adults. This risk is increased even if they are non-smokers throughout their lives.
The good news is that by stopping smoking you and your baby benefits straight away.
Benefits to a Smoke-Free Pregnancy
Quitting smoking at any stage of the pregnancy or postpartum period is ideal for reducing the risk of harmful health outcomes for mothers, babies and their families.
- Reduced chance of bleeding during the pregnancy.
- Reduced chance of delivering prematurely.
- Greater chance that the baby will be born a healthy weight.
- Infant less likely to die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
What can I do?
Think about quitting smoking, for yourself and for your baby. There is always a good time to stop smoking – before, during or after the baby is born, the earlier the better.
