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Smoking and Pregnancy
Effects of smoking on the newbornCigarette smoking is one of the most dangerous activities to do during pregnancy. Chemicals from cigarette smoke are passed to your unborn baby. These chemicals decrease the amount of oxygen and food available to the growing fetus. |
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Smoking increases the risk of health problems for the newborn such as:
- Underdeveloped lungs
- Low birth weight
- Developmental problems (i.e. delayed speech, cerebral palsy, visual and hearing difficulties, learning disabilities and respiratory problems)
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Increased fetal blood pressure
- Stillbirth
- Miscarriage
- Asthma
- Hyperactivity
Effects of smoking on the pregnant mother
Women who smoke during pregnancy are at risk for health problems. Some of these health problems are:
- Premature delivery
- Bleeding and placenta abnormalities
- Complications from miscarriages
If you are exposed to second hand smoke during pregnancy you are also putting yourself and your unborn baby at risk.
It is never too late to quit
The best time to quit is before you get pregnant. However, it is never too late to quit. Keep in mind that the earlier you quit, the better the health benefits for you and your baby.
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has develped a booklet "Are you pregnant or thinking about it? Taking the first steps towards a SMOKE-FREE beginning!" This booklets provide information on smoking, second-hand smoke and quitting.
Toll free numbers:
- Smoker’s Help line: 1-877-513-5333
- MotherRisk Information Line: 1-877-327-4636
- Quit Care: 1-877-791-8787
- Smoke Stoppers: 1-800-697-7221