The dangers of smoking while you are pregnant.

Anyone who smokes knows that it is unhealthy, but smoking during pregnancy also places your baby at great risk for many health problems. You can suffer some adverse affects from smoking during pregnancy, during birth and even well after. If you smoke and learn that you are pregnant, the ideal time to quit is immediately. However, we realize that not all mothers will quit immediately which is unfortunate. It's important for both you and your baby to quit the benefits are worth it. Once you've made the decision to quit seek out a support group to help you succeed. We will discuss some of the very real risks and dangers caused by smoking during pregnancy.

Talk to your prenatal doctor or your family doctor to get help quitting if you smoke and are pregnant. There are very many methods, approaches, and products available to help you quit smoking. Be aware though, that some smoking cessation products do still contain nicotine. Nicotine patches send nicotine into your bloodstream which can still be absorbed by your baby. This is better than inhaling hundreds of carcinogenic chemicals but the nicotine is still a health threat to your child. Discussing what is best for you with your doctor is your best option. Your child can have seriously compromised lung function if you smoke during pregnancy. Lung related issues such as asthma and a greater tendency for pneumonia is more likely in children whose mothers smoke while pregnant. Bronchitis and other chronic respiratory symptoms are also more common. Your child's immune system is also involved with these problems. This will increase your child's susceptibility to infections.

A significant number of low birth weight babies are blamed on the mothers addiction to nicotine during pregnancy there are many additional risks too. You may not realize that a good number of mental retardation, learning disabilities and even cerebral palsy have been linked to preterm smoking. Infant death is however the most serious risk. There is no getting around that smoking during pregnancy has terrible consequences for the baby. Where your child is concerned you aren't giving them a fighting chance if you are smoking during pregnancy. Nicotine can also be transferred in breast milk. We hope that you will get the facts on the effects of smoking while pregnancy and make the choice to quit. Discuss quitting with your physician he'll have some great advice.