Smoking and Pregnancy
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Smoking and Pregnancy
Pregnancy and Smoking
It is estimated that approximately 25% of American women smoke during their reproductive years. Many women who smoke prior to pregnancy continue to smoke during and after their pregnancies.
Many harmful effects have been associated with smoking. The nicotine and carbon monoxide found in cigarette smoke for example has been associated with many adverse pregnancy outcomes including:
Preterm delivery (defined as labor and delivery at less than 37 weeks) is also 2.5 more likely among women that are smokers. Premature rupture of the membranes or PROM is much more common in women who smoke, and can lead to low birth weight or preterm delivery. PROM puts a woman and her baby at increased risk for infection and other labor and delivery complications. Smoking also increases the risk of developing among other things, placental abruption, where the placenta separates from the uterine wall prior to delivery, which can be a life threatening condition for both mother and baby. Placenta previa is also much more common among women who smoke, and can result in blood loss and hemorrhaging. How to Quit Smoking Quitting smoking during your pregnancy is the most important thing you can to do for your health AND the health of your newborn baby. Fortunately there are many resources available to help you overcome your cigarette smoking habit during pregnancy. If you are a smoker you should consult with your healthcare provider, who can refer you to a smoking cessation program and offer you suggestions for ways to quit. Women who smoke are much more likely to succeed if they have the support of friends and family that understand the harmful effects of smoking during pregnancy, and if they have the support of a partner who doesn't smoke. Women who have tried to stop smoking before pregnancy are much more likely to succeed than those who have not. Replacements for cigarette smoking, such as nicotine replacement are controversial, and should only be used if your physician recommends it after other attempts have failed. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is an anti depressant that may aide in smoking cessation, and is considered a class B drug, generally safe to use in pregnancy. The most important thing to remember is that you be honest with yourself and your healthcare practitioner, so that you receive the care and support you need to quit smoking safely and effectively throughout your pregnancy. Fortunately, the prospect of having a healthy, well nourished and beautiful baby is enough incentive for most women to stick with a stop smoking program throughout the course of their pregnancy. If you are seeking support, please check out the following: Quit Smoking Today we can HELP!
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