Pregnancy and smoking… everything a future mother should know

Smoking is a harmful habit that affects human health in general, but it becomes more dangerous during pregnancy, because it not only harms the mother, but also affects the fetus in its various stages of development.

1. The effect of smoking on the fetus

Low birth weight of the fetus: Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the fetus, which leads to the birth of babies with low birth weight.

Problems with growth and development: Chemicals in cigarettes, such as nicotine and carbon monoxide, may affect the development of the fetus’s brain and lungs.

Increased risk of premature birth: Women who smoke are more likely to give birth before the normal date, which increases the health problems of the baby.

High risk of miscarriage or fetal death: Smoking increases the possibility of miscarriage or fetal death in the womb.

2. The harmful effects of smoking on the pregnant mother

Respiratory and heart problems: Smoking raises blood pressure and weakens the heart and lungs, which increases health risks during pregnancy.

Increased risk of pregnancy complications: such as preeclampsia or separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before birth.

Problems with wound healing after birth: Smoking reduces the body’s ability to heal after a cesarean or natural birth.

3. The effect of passive smoking on breastfeeding

The chemicals pass through breast milk to the baby, raising the risk of asthma, respiratory problems, and early obesity.

4. Passive smoking

Even if the pregnant woman is not a direct smoker, exposure to cigarette smoke from those around her increases the risk of the same harm to the fetus and mother.

5. Prevention methods

Quit smoking completely before pregnancy or immediately after finding out about the pregnancy.

Stay away from places where there is smoking.

Consult your doctor for smoking cessation support programs.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle: balanced nutrition, light exercise, and adequate sleep.