Pregnancy is one of the most crucial events in a woman’s life. At this point, a woman not only cares for herself alone, but also for another human being inside her body. It is thus important to take extra care during pregnancy to ensure that the baby growing inside gets the best nutrition and protection. For some women, it may be difficult to let go of social drugs that they have been used to having when they were not yet pregnant. But it is extremely important to recognize the risks and get the will to avoid drugs during pregnancy.
For this post, let us talk about tobacco or cigarette smoking and its effects on the growth of the baby inside the womb. It is alarming to note that only around 20% of women who smoke quit smoking during pregnancy. Many try to convince themselves that a few sticks would not hurt the baby.
Babies of women who still smoke while pregnant exhibit reduced weight compared to babies of women who don’t smoke. Aside from reduction in birth weight, babies may also suffer from birth defects of the heart, brain, and face. Cases of dislocated placenta, premature detachment of the placenta, premature rupture of the membranes, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), preterm labor, uterine infections, miscarriages, premature births, and stillbirths are also more likely to happen to smokers than to non-smokers.
Pregnant women should also avoid second-hand smoke as this can also affect the development of the baby.
Tags: pregnancy cigarette, pregnancy drugs, pregnancy nicotine, pregnancy smoking, pregnancy tobacco, social drugs
