Smoking and Pregnancy

Smoking is linked to a number of serious health problems and pregnant women are always advised to stop smoking to ensure that they give their child the healthiest start possible. Every time a pregnant woman smokes she breathes in up to 4000 different harmful chemicals, placing her unborn baby's health at risk.

When you stop smoking, the benefits to your unborn baby are almost immediate; however it's better to stop smoking as soon as possible, ideally even before deciding to become pregnant. The effects of second-hand smoke can be just as harmful to your baby, which means that during pregnancy you should also be careful in environments where you are likely to be exposed passive smoking.

Heart

Apart from the symptoms associated with smoking, an increase in suffering with coronary diseases, including higher risk of heart attack and heart failure is common.

Breasts

There is a risk of contamination of breast milk and inadequate production of milk.

Lungs

The chance of getting lung cancer increases.

Gastric

Women who smoke are more likely to suffer from morning sickness.

Uterus

Women who smoke experience lower fertility levels. The chances of having a premature baby are much greater. Likewise, conditions such as stillbirth, birth defects, heart defects, increased risk of cot death and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) are symptoms that may affect the baby as a result of smoking. The baby will also have a higher chance of suffering from asthma, hearts problems and middle ear infection in later life.

Side effects of smoking while pregnant

Click on the relevant area of the body to find out about how it may be affected by smoking during pregnancy

The threats of smoking to mother and baby

How you and your baby will benefit if you give up smoking