SMOKING AND PREGNANCY

SMOKING AND PREGNANCY

Everyone knows that smoking is harmful to you and your baby, but did you know that each cigarette contains over 4,000 chemicals as well as tar and carbon monoxide.

These harmful chemicals and gases cross the placenta and enter into your baby's bloodstream making your baby's tiny heart have to beat faster as it struggles to get enough oxygen.

This increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth as well as affecting the long-term health of your child.

The more cigarettes you smoke - the greater the risk, therefore it is important to get help to quit as soon as possible, and preferably before conception.

The long-term health risks to your baby include colic, infections to the ears (glue ear), asthma, and breathing problems during the first 6 months of life.

Smoking is also associated with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), autism and meningitis as well as an increased risk in cot death.

It is also important that all people in the household get help to quit, as second-hand smoke can still affect you and your baby.

If you want to quit smoking before or during your pregnancy, see your GP or midwife, who will give you all the advice,support and encouragement you need to successfully stop. Alternatively, ring the NHS pregnancy smoking helpline on 0800 169 9 169 or visit their website at www.smokefree.nhs.uk

FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

Most people are aware of the presence of Nicotine, Tar and Carbon Monoxide in cigarettes but did you know that tobacco also contains;

BENZENE. A poisonous gas found in petrol fumes and known to cause leukaemia.

AMMONIA. Found in cleaning products.

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON (PAH). A cancer-causing chemical found in diesel exhaust.

HYDROGEN CYANIDE. An industrial pollutant.

ETHANOL. Used in anti-freeze.

FORMALDEHYDE. An embalming fluid!

Remember that stopping smoking will have a positive major effect on yours and your baby's wellbeing.

GOOD LUCK IN QUITTING!