Smoking during pregnancy has been proven to have a big effect in fetal developments during pregnancy. Nicotine which is found in tobacco and cigarettes is a harmful and addictive drug that can lead to serious illnesses for both mother and baby. Female smokers who quitted smoking right after they have learned about their pregnancy have healthier and happy babies than those who neglected to quit. As a mother, our aim is to protect our unborn child and do our best to give a healthy environment for him to grow. The earlier we stop harmful activities is the better.
Continuous smoking during pregnancy will lead to serious complications such as miscarriage, still birth, premature delivery, and low birth weight – which are all caused by high level of nicotine and carbon monoxide in your bloodstream. These harmful substances lower your oxygen in the body which is needed in cell growth.
- photo by mel!nka
Also, mothers who have given birth to infants who are exposed to second-hand smoking are 150 grams lighter than the normal babies. This means that they are more likely to get infections and have health problems as they grow, and even worse, this can lead to death.
In a study, researchers have seen that smoking during pregnancy affects the child’s learning abilities, leading to very low IQ level and behavioural problems towards interacting to other people.
Effects of smoking during and after pregnancy
- Breathing difficulties such as asthma, colds, coughs, wheezing, and might even die from SIDS
- Hyperactivity and low grades at school
- High risk in suffering stroke, heart problems, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
How to stop smoking during pregnancy
Quitting smoking is very difficult once you have become dependent on it, but surely this is the best way to be healthy for both you and the baby.
- Write a resolution with a target date about your goal to quit smoking and post it to places that you can see.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Keep yourself busy or try some needlework to keep your mind off of smoking.
- Eat small snacks to replace your cravings for cigarette.
- Stay away from places where there are people smoking.
- Seek for professional advices; you can do this by visiting your nearest health centre.
- Join forums and programmes that aim to help women quit smoking.
- Have a constant and open communication with your friends and family because this will uplift your feeling and help you create a positive outlook in achieving your goal.
Benefits of quitting smoking
- You and your baby will become healthier.
- More strength to do things.
- More active in different programmes and activities.
- Whiter teeth and fresher breath.
- Lower risk of developing respiratory illnesses.
There are many more reasons for you to stop smoking and this is not only for you and your baby. You’re also doing favour for other people because effects and illnesses will eliminated. So be more proactive and think more about your health.
Blogger Joyce Ira
Describing oneself is always the most difficult part in writing. You’re always lost for words to say about who you are and what you do. So let me try my best to make a sweet and short introduction of who Joyce Ira is. I am a committed educator in an international school, a full-time mom and wife to my loving husband and children, a frustrated writer who loves to rant on many things around me, a queen in my own kitchen especially on weekends, a nature-lover who appreciates the beauty and energy the world gives, and a traveller who adores to see different places, experiencing great culture exchange. I believe that every person is unique with special abilities, our purposes varies from our day to day life and from what we do. In my own opinion, life is short so we should never make it complicated for we only have one time to live it in the fullest. I know I am not perfect but my imperfections make me a better person. Ciao!
July 18, 2011
Complications, Developments