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I unexpectedly fell pregnant with our daughter back in 2004. Unfortunately I was smoking about 10-15 cigarettes a day (at least double that when I went out) when I found out I was pregnant. But I quit that day and never had the urge again to smoke while I was
pregnant. Picturing a tiny, helpless baby inside me having these horrible toxins passed into him/her was more than enough to make me quit. I’m now totally against smoking in any way, pregnant or not!
Here are some things to consider if you are a smoker and are pregnant or planning on falling pregnant:
- Nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs around. Do you want your child to be born going through withdrawals and chemical detox?
- Your baby’s nervous system is at high risk of being permanently damaged if you smoke while pregnant. Do you want your baby to have nerve damage that could negatively affect their development for the rest of their life?
- The thousands of chemicals you inhale while smoking are also inhaled by your baby. Carbon monoxide is just one of the potent chemicals found in cigarettes and inhibits oxygen from reaching your baby.
- For every 15 cigarettes your smoke, the blood flow to you baby is negatively effected for approximately 15secs.
- You are at a higher chance of miscarriage if you smoke while pregnant.
- You’re more likely to suffer from morning sickness and generally feel more unwellduring your pregnancy if you smoke.
- There is a higher risk of you having a complicated labour & birth, and for your baby being born premature or stillborn.
- Your baby is more likely to be born underweight. This can mean he/she can have difficulties in keeping warm.
- If you smoke, your baby is most likely going to suffer from damaged airways which can lead to asthma.
- Children are 2-3 times as likely to take up smoking eventually if their Mother smoked while pregnant with them.
- Nicotine patches can be more damaging since nicotine is being sent constantly to your baby. Try other ways of quitting, i.e. counselling etc. The most damaging effects happen in months 4-9, so if you quit in the first few months, you’re baby will most likely be born a healthy weight.
I was fortunate enough no to be addicted to cigarettes to the point of not being able to give up when I found out I was pregnant. I realise not everyone is like this. So please if you need help with quitting, ask your family and friends to get behind you and maybe try calling this number: 131 848 (in Australia) or visit
www.quitnow.info.au. Do it for you and your baby!
(June 2007) (
Lexi xxx
