2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-22 03:30
Newborns exposed to tobacco during pregnancy are generally lighter in weight, less tall, and have smaller heads and brains. Something to seriously think about!
Here are some facts gathered by the Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Development.
What do we know?
- Nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke decrease the amount of oxygen available to the fetus, which affects its growth and the proper development of its heart, brain and many others organs.
- Tobacco use during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and premature birth.
- Sudden infant death syndrome, respiratory problems (eg asthma) and infections (eg ear infections) are more common in newborns exposed to second-hand smoke.
- Tobacco use during pregnancy increases the risk of other physical he alth problems (eg obesity) developing during childhood and/or adolescence.
- Behaviour, attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, criminality problemsand substance abuse are more common in children/adolescents who were exposed to tobacco smoke during pregnancy.
- Children exposed to tobacco during pregnancy are more likely to become smokers themselves.
- Quitting smoking before pregnancy has great benefits for both mother and baby; however, quitting smoking early in pregnancy or during pregnancy also has positive effects.
- In addition to greatly improving the he alth of children and other family members, quitting smoking improves your he alth.
Be careful…
- about your relationship with tobacco.
- the behavior of people around you.
- the resources available to support you in your efforts.
What can we do?
- Be aware of your smoking behavior during pregnancy.
- Remember your attempts to quit smoking.
- Identify the factors that trigger your urge to smoke and those that help you quit.
- Discuss cigarette smoking with your spouse and parents.
- Seek support from family, friends and co-workers, especially those who are or have become non-smokers.
- Involve your spouse for encouragement and support (quitting smoking together may be easier).
- Use available community resources and telephone support to getsupport as needed.
- Read about it to make it easier.
- Consult your doctor for information on other means that could help you in your process.
Information
Tobacco use during pregnancy: Informed knowledge for a he althy start In: Tremblay RE, Barr RG, Peters RDeV, Boivin M, eds. Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development]. Montreal, Quebec: Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Development; 2008. Available at. Page consulted on January 5, 2009.
