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Smoking & pregnancy

What happens if you smoke during pregnancy.

Article by : SpunOut.ie

If you smoke or drink when pregnant then your unborn child is also getting the effects of that fag or glass of vodka.

You and your baby deserve the best chance of good health and you are responsible for the health of your baby. So you need to think seriously about the effects of alcohol and smoking on both you and the unborn baby.

What happens if you smoke during pregnancy?

  • The dangerous chemicals in the smoke reach your baby through the blood stream.
     
  • You might go into labour (have the baby) early.
     
  • Your baby’s lungs might be damaged.
     
  • Blood is slower getting through to your baby.
     
  • Less food and oxygen travels into your baby: this slows down growth and development.
     
  • There is a higher risk of dangers like miscarriage, stillbirth, cot death, pneumonia, asthma and more.

How can you help prevent these risks?

  • Try for both you and the people around you to smoke less or not at all. Remember passive smoking is also dangerous.
     
  • It’s not just the mother who has to be careful, your partner should cut out cigarettes as well.
     
  • If you don’t smoke during breast feeding your baby gets a better supply and richer milk.
     
  • If you smoke less you will have more money for the expenses of a new baby.

How can you get help to quit smoking?

  • Ask your doctor for advice on quitting.
     
  • Try to reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke a day.
     
  • Don’t smoke around pregnant women.
     
  • Don’t smoke around babies and children.
  • Call the Irish Cancer Society Quitline: 1850 201 203.
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