Community Health Services Department / Child Health & Dental Services Department
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How Does Smoking Affect Your Pregnancy
This page was reviewed or revised on Thursday, October 29, 2009 10:58 AM
Your lifestyle now can affect the health of your future baby. If you smoke, quitting now is a good idea. When you quit, your body starts to get rid of all the buildup of chemicals and toxins from smoking. It starts to heal itself as soon as you quit. The healthier you are when your get pregnant, the healthier your baby will be. Many women think they’ll be able to quit when they become pregnant. This is easier said than done. Quitting smoking is a process that requires careful planning and time.
Why should I quit before I get pregnant?
- Smoking can decrease your chances of getting pregnant.
- Smoking can cause pregnancy complications.
- Smoking robs your body of certain vitamins and minerals that are needed for good health, both yours and your unborn baby’s.
- The chemicals in tobacco smoke will be passed on to your baby and can harm the baby even before you know you are pregnant.
What happens if I smoke during my pregnancy?
- Mom and baby are joined by the placenta. Smoking causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the placenta. As a result, the baby gets less food and oxygen.
- The baby will not grow as well as he or she should.
- The baby will be less healthy.
- Chemicals and toxins from cigarettes get into the unborn baby’s blood.
- Your baby may not develop fully and may be premature.
- You may give birth to a low birthweight baby.
- Your baby’s lungs will not develop properly and will not work as well.
- Your baby may be weak, unhealthy and more cranky.
- Your baby will be more susceptible to colds, coughs, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
- Your baby may have more allergies.
- Your baby is more likely to be hyperactive.
- You may have bleeding problems during pregnancy.
- You may have more problems during labour and delivery.
- You will have a higher chance of having a miscarriage or a stillbirth.
What can I do to reduce the health risks for my baby?
- Stop smoking BEFORE you get pregnant.
- If you need help to quit, speak to your doctor or call the health unit for information and advice on how to quit.
- If you find it too hard to quit, try to significantly reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke so that your unborn baby is getting less exposure to cigarette smoke.
- Second hand smoke is also harmful to your unborn baby. Where possible, stay away from places where people are smoking.
What about smoking after my baby is born?
- Babies of smokers are twice as likely to die of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
- Respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis are common in babies of smokers.
- Babies of smokers are more susceptible to life-threatening infections.
- Your baby may suffer from developmental delays as a result of exposure to cigarette smoke.
- Your baby may have more ear infections and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
Is there help to quit smoking?
Yes. Speak with your doctor and contact the Community Health Services for information and assistance on how to quit.
The Health Unit offers a free Stop Smoking Course as well as a monthly support group. Self-help resources and videos are also available.
Call (519) 383-8331 ext. 301 for more information.