How Does Smoking Impact Pregnancy?

Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, including nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar—all of which are harmful to the baby. When you smoke during pregnancy, these toxic chemicals cross the placenta, depriving the baby of oxygen and essential nutrients. This has immediate and long-term consequences. Here are the critical ones that you should be aware of!

1. Increased Risk of Preterm Birth

Smoking during pregnancy is one of the leading causes of preterm delivery. Babies born before 37 weeks often face challenges like underdeveloped lungs, low immunity, and difficulty regulating body temperature. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), smoking contributes to 25% of preterm births globally.

In India, where preterm birth rates are already high due to maternal health challenges, smoking exacerbates the problem, particularly in urban areas where smoking rates among women are increasing.

2. Low Birth Weight

Babies born to mothers who smoke are often smaller in size due to restricted growth in the womb. Low birth weight (less than 2.5 kg) increases the risk of developmental delays, infections, and chronic health conditions like diabetes and hypertension in adulthood. Babies exposed to cigarette smoke during pregnancy weigh 200-300 grams less than average at birth.

In India, low birth weight is a significant contributor to neonatal deaths, especially in rural areas with limited healthcare access. In rural areas, exposure to nicotine in the form of gutka and bidi is very high and women should be made aware of the negative effects!

3. Birth Defects

Smoking increases the risk of congenital disabilities, including cleft lip and cleft palate. These conditions often require surgical correction and can lead to feeding difficulties in newborns. Women who smoke during the first trimester are 30% more likely to give birth to a baby with a birth defect, according to studies published in medical journals.

4. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

SIDS refers to the sudden, unexplained death of an otherwise healthy baby, often during sleep. Smoking during and after pregnancy significantly increases the risk. Chemicals in cigarette smoke affect the baby’s developing brain and respiratory system, increasing the likelihood of breathing issues. Babies born to smokers are three times more likely to die from SIDS.

5. Placental Complications

The placenta is the lifeline between you and your baby, supplying oxygen and nutrients. Smoking disrupts its functioning, leading to complications like: The placenta detaches from the uterine wall before delivery, causing severe bleeding and endangering both mother and baby. The placenta covers the cervix, complicating natural delivery. Both conditions are medical emergencies that require immediate attention.

6. Increased Risk of Miscarriage and Stillbirth

Smoking can increase the risk of pregnancy loss due to reduced oxygen supply, placental complications, and fetal developmental issues. Studies reveal that women who smoke are 25% more likely to experience a miscarriage. The risk doubles with heavy smoking.

What About Passive Smoking?

Passive smoking, or exposure to secondhand smoke, can be just as harmful. In India, where joint family setups and public smoking are common, pregnant women often face unavoidable exposure.

Effects of Passive Smoking:

1. Low Birth Weight: Pregnant women exposed to secondhand smoke are 20% more likely to deliver low-birth-weight babies.
2. Miscarriage and Stillbirth: Regular exposure to passive smoke increases the risk of pregnancy loss.
3. Premature Birth: Secondhand smoke disrupts fetal oxygen levels, increasing the likelihood of early delivery.

How Quitting Smoking Helps Pregnancy

The good news is that quitting smoking at any point during pregnancy can significantly improve outcomes for both mom and baby. Here’s how:

1. Immediate Benefits: Oxygen levels in the baby improve within 24 hours of quitting smoking.
2. Reduced Risks: Quitting lowers the likelihood of preterm birth, low birth weight, and other complications.
3. Long-term Health: Babies of moms who quit smoking are more likely to meet growth and development milestones.

How to Quit Smoking During Pregnancy

1. Seek Professional Guidance: A doctor can guide you through safe smoking cessation methods, including counseling and medications.
2. Consider Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): While not ideal, some NRT options are safer than smoking. Consult your doctor before using them.
3. Join Support Groups: Online and offline communities of moms quitting smoking can provide motivation and practical tips.
4. Stress Management: Practice yoga, meditation, or prenatal relaxation exercises to curb cravings.

Every decision you make in pregnancy has a lasting impact on your baby. Smoking, whether active or passive, poses significant risks to your child’s health. But it’s never too late to quit or create a smoke-free environment. As an Indian mom-to-be, your journey may come with unique challenges, but armed with the right information and support, you can make choices that benefit both you and your baby. Every step toward quitting is a step toward a healthier, happier pregnancy.