The Possible Damage Smoking during Pregnancy can Cause for Your Child
Smoking while pregnant puts the unborn child at risk and many women know this. But many may not know the full extent of the risk. Smoking while pregnant puts the child at risk for a long list of possible consequences. Inhaling second hand smoke can even cause negative effects on your child. It becomes more about protecting your unborn child than just protecting yourself. There are many methods to quit smoking safely and for those that need the support, there are support groups available. The following is information on the devastating effects smoking while pregnant can have on your child.
Along with carbon monoxide and nicotine, when you smoke while pregnant you will be passing along the tar found in cigarettes, too. Yes, even the tar will affect the baby you are carrying. You might not realize that your second hand smoke will damage your baby’s lungs in some harsh ways.
There are approximately fourteen percent preterm deliveries caused by smoking, once again. An even worse statistic is the estimation that about ten percent of all infant deaths, including SIDS, is due to the mother smoking while pregnant. That statistic is according to the American Lung Association.
Birth defects such as cleft palate and or cleft lip can be caused from smoking while pregnant. The reality is that both are considered birth defects and either one or both are more possible in your baby due to the mother smoking while pregnant. Birth defects can have negative effects on the development of your child before and after birth. You child could be negatively impacted by social stigma and various speech problems.
Focusing on the immediate physical consequences smoking while pregnant can have on the baby is natural. But, evidence is building that shows a correlation between smoking while pregnant and behavioral difficulties. This includes learning disabilities and general behavioral issues. For women who smoke during pregnancy, this should be a tremendous cause for concern.
Indeed, it seems the consequences are far-reaching into the life of the child and even into adulthood. The child can be left dealing with the consequences of their mother smoking while pregnant for their entire life. That is why awareness and support to quit smoking is so incredibly important for both mother and baby.
In addition to pregnancy and smoking, the writer sometimes blogs on Electric Ride on Cars and Reverse Cell Phone Lookup
Posted: under Nicotine.
Tags: health, infant deaths, Nicotine, pregnancy, SIDS, Smoking, Smoking During Pregnancy
Jan 10 2011
