Smoking is widely known to cause cancer and other severe health issues, and smoking during pregnancy can lead to serious complications such as premature birth, birth defects, or even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Exposure to cigarette smoke can also harm both the mother and baby. While quitting before pregnancy is ideal, stopping at any stage can still greatly reduce health risks. A previous healthy pregnancy despite smoking does not ensure future pregnancies will be problem-free. Additionally, smoking can impair fertility in both men and women, making it more difficult to conceive. Women who smoke often struggle to get pregnant.
Key Factors: How Smoking Harms You and Your Baby
- Low birth weight – Slows baby’s growth before birth.
- Premature birth – Increases risk of health complications.
- Lung & brain damage – Effects can last into teen years.
- Abnormal bleeding – Doubles the risk during pregnancy and delivery.
- Birth defects – Higher chance of cleft lip, cleft palate, or both.
- Higher SIDS risk – Babies exposed to smoke face increased risk.
Key Factors: How Premature Birth Harms Your Baby
- Low birth weight – Missing crucial womb growth.
- Feeding difficulties – Trouble eating and gaining weight.
- Breathing problems – Immediate and long-term respiratory issues.
- Cerebral palsy – Brain damage affecting movement and muscle tone.
- Developmental delays – Delayed language, thinking, and motor skills.
- Hearing & vision issues – Increased risk of sensory impairments.
- Extended hospital stay – May require weeks or months of care.
Smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of premature birth, which can lead to serious health complications for your baby, including low birth weight, breathing problems, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and hearing or vision issues. Premature babies often require extended hospital stays and may face long-term health challenges. Quitting smoking at any stage of pregnancy can greatly improve your baby’s chances of being born healthy and thriving. Protecting your baby from the harmful effects of smoking is one of the most important steps you can take for their well-being, both before and after birth.
Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/pregnancy.html
