Tobacco

The chemicals in tobacco can pass through the placenta and umbilical cord and into the baby. This can decrease the amount of oxygen the baby gets to grow

Smoking during pregnancy  

  • Compared to nonsmokers you are more likely to have:
    • Preterm labor
    • Ectopic pregnancy
    • Bleeding from vagina
    • Placenta complications
      •  the placenta provides the baby with food and oxygen
  • Smoking during pregnancy also affects the baby:
  • Born prematurely: before 37 weeks
  • Birth defect
  • Low birthweight
  • Miscarriage/stillbirth
  • Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

 

Secondhand Smoke

  • Secondhand smoke is when someone else around you is smoking a cigarette, cigar, pipe or another tobacco product and you inhale the smoke. Secondhand smoke can still affect the pregnancy. Babies who inhale smoke are more likely to develop
  • Asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Ear infections
  • Pneumonia

Thirdhand Smoke

  • Thirdhand smoke is the stench or residue that is left behind after someone smokes. Babies exposed to these chemicals by inhaling or touching the residue can cause serious health problems.
  • E-cigarettes contains nicotine and other chemicals that can harm you and the baby
  • Inhaling the vapor from someone else’s e-cigarette can also be harmful

Quitting smoking

  • Quitting smoking is difficult, however pregnancy can be the right time to but having a plan can make it easier. Here are some tips to help stop smoking
    • Make a list of the benefits of quitting for you and your baby. Refer to this list when you have an urge to smoke
    • Wash your clothes, car and any place that smells like tobacco
    • Have a strong support system, call these people when you have an urge.
    • Set a quit date within the next week or two