women s health issues
Substance Use During Pregnancy
Smoking (Tobacco) During Pregnancy
Cigarette Smoking and Other Tobacco Use poses risks to pregnant women and fetuses. Women who are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant should try to quit smoking. Health care professionals can provide resources about smoking cessation programs. The most consistent effect of smoking on the fetus during pregnancy is A reduction in birth weight ( Small-for-Gestational-Age (SGA) Newborns ) The more a woman smokes during pregnancy, the less the baby is likely to weigh. Birth defects of the heart, brain, and face are more common among babies of women who smoke cigarettes. Also, the risk of the following may be increased: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) (SIDS) A mislocated placenta ( Placenta Previa ) Premature detachment of the placenta ( Placental Abruption ) Prelabor Rupture of the Membranes (PROM) (containing the fetus) Preterm Labor None Infections of the Uterus After Delivery None Miscarriage None Stillbirth None Preterm (Premature) Newborns None In addition, children of women who smoke have slight but measurable deficiencies in physical growth and in intellectual and behavioral development. These effects are thought to be caused by carbon monoxide andnicotine. Carbon monoxide may reduce the oxygen supply to the body's tissues.Nicotinestimulates the release of hormones that constrict the vessels supplying blood to the uterus and placenta, so that less oxygen and fewer nutrients reach the fetus. Because of the possible harmful effects of smoking during pregnancy, pregnant women should make every effort to not smoke during pregnancy, including discussing strategies with their doctor. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to secondhand smoke because it may harm the fetus. 