Can You Smoke While Pregnant

Can You Smoke While Pregnant.

Smoking is a habit that you should stop, especially if you are pregnant. Not only bad for the health of the mother, smoking during pregnancy can also threaten the safety of the baby in the womb. Check out the following explanation to find out the dangers of smoking during pregnancy.

Why is smoking dangerous for pregnant women?/Can You Smoke While Pregnant

Smoking while pregnant affects the health of you and your baby both before pregnancy , during pregnancy, and after he is born.

Nicotine, carbon monoxide, and various other toxins from the cigarettes you smoke can be carried into the bloodstream to the baby in the womb.

According to Robert Welch, obstetrician and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan, smoking is probably the single most important factor that CAN have an adverse impact on the health and safety of babies.

In addition, pregnant women who smoke will experience a lack of oxygen. This is because when smoked, cigarettes will release carbon monoxide gas. This substance can inhibit the absorption of oxygen by the body.

If the body lacks oxygen, it not only makes you short of breath but also has a bad effect on the growth and development of the baby.

The Dangers of Smoking During Pregnancy for Mother and Fetus

Smoking habits or frequent inhalation of cigarette smoke ( passive smoking ) can have various impacts on the health of the fetus, namely:

  • Born prematurely or born with low birth weight
  • Higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome
  • Respiratory disorders, for example due to ARI, pneumonia, or asthma
  • Congenital defects, such as congenital heart disease, defects in the brain and nerves, or abnormalities in other organs and parts of the body, such as  biliary atresia and gastroschisis
  • Developmental disorders
  • Psychological and behavioral problems, such as ADHD and autism

Smoking during pregnancy not only has a negative impact on the fetus in the womb, but also for pregnant women. The following are some conditions that are more at risk for pregnant women who smoke frequently:

  • Disorders of the placenta, such as placenta previa and placental abruption or detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall before the birth of the baby
  • Premature rupture of membranes
  • Miscarriage

In addition to active smokers, the dangers of smoking during pregnancy can also be experienced by pregnant women and fetuses who are exposed to secondhand smoke or secondhand smoke. The risk of pregnancy problems can even increase if exposure to secondhand smoke occurs repeatedly, for example, if a family member smokes in the house.

Choice of Ways and Tips to Quit Smoking/Can You Smoke While Pregnant

The best way pregnant women can do to avoid the dangers of smoking during pregnancy is to stop smoking. Pregnant women can try a therapy to stop smoking called Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).

This therapy can be done by several methods, namely:

  • Nicotine gum, which is used by chewing slowly for 30 minutes
  • Lozenges are tablets that are placed between the gums and the inside of the cheek, then sucked for 30 minutes
  • Sublingual tablets are tablets that are placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve in the mouth
  • Inhalers , which are inhaled drugs that must be used regularly
  • Transdermal, in the form of patches affixed to the surface of the skin
  • Nasal and mouth spray

However, before deciding to carry out the various therapies above, pregnant women are advised to consult with a gynecologist first. Always pay attention to the dose of nicotine absorbed by the body regardless of the therapeutic method used.

Quitting smoking suddenly is difficult, but not impossible. Some of the following ways can help pregnant women to stop smoking and avoid cigarette smoke:

  • Avoid situations that can make pregnant women want to smoke, such as stress or hanging out with fellow smokers.
  • Make a list of reasons to quit smoking and of course the main focus is the health of pregnant women and fetuses.
  • Stay away from cigarette smoke wherever pregnant women are.
  • Divert the urge to smoke by doing other activities, such as chewing gum, exercising, or meditation.

During the adaptation period, it is not uncommon for pregnant women who have stopped smoking to be tempted to smoke again after giving birth. However, this of course requires a commitment from pregnant women themselves to completely stop these unhealthy habits.

If pregnant women find it difficult to stay away from cigarettes, try to consult a gynecologist . Doctors can help pregnant women to stop smoking, and will continue to monitor the health conditions of pregnant women and their fetuses to anticipate various disorders due to the dangers of smoking during pregnancy.

by Abdullah Sam
I’m a teacher, researcher and writer. I write about study subjects to improve the learning of college and university students. I write top Quality study notes Mostly, Tech, Games, Education, And Solutions/Tips and Tricks. I am a person who helps students to acquire knowledge, competence or virtue.

Leave a Comment