Smoking is a general health problem. Smokers are at risk of developing lung cancer, other lung problems, and cardiovascular problems. Smoking during pregnancy affects the health of the mother and the unborn baby.
In most developed countries, about 20% of women smoke. This rate is less in developing countries. Cigarettes contain 2500 chemicals. It is not known exactly which of these chemicals harms the developing baby, but nicotine and carbon monoxide are effective in adverse pregnancy outcomes.
How Does Smoking Affect the Baby? Smoking doubles the risk of low birth weight. low birth weight; It is due to underdevelopment before birth, preterm birth, or both. Smoking slows fetal growth and increases the risk of preterm birth. Premature and low-weight babies can have serious health problems such as Cerebral Palsy (the most common disease that causes physical disability in children), mental retardation, learning problems and even death. The more a woman smokes during her pregnancy, the greater the risk of her baby being born underweight. If the expectant mother quits smoking at the end of the second trimester, the risk of low birth weight is as much as that of a mother who has never smoked.
Does Smoking Cause Complications During Pregnancy? Smoking can lead to some complications. The placental problems that a mother-to-be may have for smoking are twice as common as a non-smoker mother;
Placenta Previa (Plasenta previa is the condition where the placenta covers the lower part of the uterus and the cervix.)
Detachment of the Placenta (Partial or complete separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before birth)
Both conditions can cause excessive bleeding during childbirth; can endanger both mother and baby.
Does Smoking During Pregnancy Cause Other Problems in Babies or Children? According to a study conducted in 2003, withdrawal symptoms can be seen in babies of mothers who smoked during pregnancy and babies of mothers who used drugs during pregnancy. Babies of mothers who smoke, for example, are more tense and difficult to soothe. The risk of sudden infant death in babies whose mothers smoked during pregnancy is 3 times higher than the others.
Does Being in Smoking Environments During Pregnancy Affect the Baby Negatively? Studies show that there is a risk of slow growth and low birth weight in babies of mothers who are constantly in a smoking environment during pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid passive smoking.
How Does Exposure to Smoking After Birth Affect the Baby? It is important to stay away from smoking even after the baby is born. Parents should not smoke in their homes and should not allow their guests to drink. Babies exposed to cigarettes may develop lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia, ear infections and asthma.
Smoking also affects the health of the mother. Lung and other types of cancer, heart attack and emphysema can be experienced at increasing rates in smokers. By quitting smoking, we can become healthier families and better role models for their children.
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