Smoking And Pregnancy
What are some of the pregnancy complications associated with smoking cigarettes?
Some of the complications associated with cigarette smoking during pregnancy involve the foetal growth. Smoking has been shown to cause foetal growth restriction, meaning those foetuses will be smaller than they should be. Cigarette smoking is also associated with restriction of placental function, and as the placenta is the lifeline or the support for that foetus, cigarette smoking can cause impairment in placental function. Cigarette smoking also is associated with placental abruption, which is where the placenta is prematurely detached from the mother, and therefore that interferes with circulation to the foetus and can cause foetal death.
How will second-hand smoke exposure during pregnancy affect my baby?
Second-hand smoke during pregnancy is very detrimental to the developing fetus, and can result in similar problems as if the mother smoked herself. Those problems would include impairment of fetal growth. The toxic substances that the pregnant woman inhales by being around another smoker can also be detrimental, and can lead to other neurological problems for the fetus.
