Smoking during pregnancy can cause serious harm to the fetus.
According to the March of Dimes, it is estimated that at least 10 percent of women smoke during their pregnancies. Smoking cigarettes can have negative health effects on an unborn fetus, as well as increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.
Potential Fetal Effects
Women who smoke throughout their pregnancy are at increased risk for preterm labor and low birth weight babies. They also have a higher risk of having a baby born with serious birth defects, such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation or learning problems.
1-800-QUIT NOW
Available by the U.S. government at no cost, 1-800-QUIT NOW offers support by phone 24 hours per day, seven days per week to pregnant women interested in quitting smoking. Each caller is assigned to a Quit Coach who creates a custom quitting plan after an in-depth individual consultation. Ongoing support is available anytime by phone.
Online Support
Smokefree.gov provides free online support for smokers who are trying to quit. Their Quit Guide outlines preparations for stopping smoking, a plan to follow and advice about handle slip ups and cravings. Live support is also available through instant messaging.
Doctor Recommended Support
Support groups for smokers can teach problem-solving techniques and coping strategies. A health care professional can recommend pregnancy-specific smoking cessation programs in your area.
Coping with Withdrawal
Pregnant women may need additional support when dealing with nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Avoiding caffeine and exercising can help with sleeplessness and irritability. Eating healthy foods frequently, such as popcorn, nuts or fruit, can reduce hunger while also keeping the mouth and hands occupied.
Related posts
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that about 13 percent of women smoke during the last three months of their pregnancies. Although you probably know that smoking can a...
Effects of Smoking on a FetusA pregnant woman who smokes should quit smoking as soon as she knows she is going to have a baby. Cigarette smoke can cause complications to the mother during pregnanc...
Chronological Benefits of Smoking CessationIt is no secret that there are many health risks when choosing to smoke. What once was fashionable in the early 20th century has now become one of the de...
What Are Smoking Cessation ProgramsAccording to the American Heart Association, "Since 1965, more than 49 percent of all adults who have ever smoked have quit." To decrease severe health...
Smoking cessation withdrawal effects are unpleasant, but alternatives are worse.Smoking is an addiction that is difficult to overcome. The nicotine in tobacco is highly addictive and difficult to...
