Smoking During Pregnancy: What Every Mom To - Be Needs To Know!

Effects of Smoking on Pregnancy

Cigarettes contain harmful chemicals like nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar, which can cross the placenta and harm the developing fetus. Every puff of a cigarette introduces harmful chemicals—like nicotine and carbon monoxide—that cross the placenta and interfere with your baby’s growth. 

Did you know? Approximately 4.6% of currently married pregnant women in India use tobacco, with over 80% consuming it in smokeless forms such as khaini, gutkha, or paan with tobacco. 

Here’s what can happen:

• Low Birth Weight: Babies of smokers often weigh less than average because smoking reduces blood flow to the placenta. According to a study published in Oxford Academics there is a 2 to 3 times higher rate of low-birth-weight and stillbirth babies among mothers who consume tobacco during pregnancy.
• Premature Birth: Smoking increases the risk of giving birth before 37 weeks, which can lead to developmental challenges.
• Stillbirth or Miscarriage: Smoking doubles the risk of pregnancy loss.
• Congenital Disabilities: Heart, lung, and brain defects are more common in babies of smoking mothers.
• Health Risks for Your Child: Even after birth, children born to smoking mothers are more likely to develop asthma, allergies, or behavioral problems.
• Health Issues for Mom: Pregnant women who use tobacco face a significantly higher risk of anemia, with studies indicating a prevalence rate of around 70%. 

The good news? If you quit smoking, even halfway through your pregnancy, many of these risks significantly reduce. But ideally you should be staying away from smoking from the start of your pregnancy.

What to Do If You Smoked Before Realizing You’re Pregnant

Without sounding preachy we want to first caution that smoking is a habit you need to quit. There is a reason the government has made it mandatory to add a graphic image about the ill effects of smoking on the pack! As a woman who is planning to conceive, it's very important to quit smoking 2-3 months in advance for optimal health of the baby. However, most pregnancies are not planned. It’s not uncommon to continue smoking during the first few weeks of pregnancy simply because you didn’t know you were expecting. If this is your situation, here’s what to do:

• Don’t Panic: Stress is also harmful during pregnancy, so take a deep breath and focus on what you can control now.
• Quit Immediately: It’s never too late to quit. The earlier you stop, the more you reduce the risks.
• Visit Your Doctor: Share your smoking history with your doctor. They’ll monitor your baby’s growth closely and may recommend additional prenatal care.
• Focus on a Healthy Lifestyle: Eat nutrient-rich foods, stay active, and take prenatal vitamins to support your baby’s development.

What to Do if There’s Passive Smoking Involved

Passive smoking—breathing in smoke from others—is just as harmful as smoking directly. We remember a pregnant mother in the Zactive mom community who mentioned that she had been to a restaurant where people were smoking and she was afraid she has inhaled the smoke and it might harm the baby. This is a very common happening where we end up being around people who smoke - either at parties, restaurants or in some cases a family member! Its natural to feel worried and anxious as in spite of not smoking yourself, you hare exposed to the ill effects of smoking. Living in India, where smoking is common in public spaces and homes, passive smoking can be a significant concern. In certain Indian states, exposure to second-hand smoke is alarmingly high. For instance, in Mizoram, 95% of women reported being present when someone else was smoking in their home or elsewhere in the past 30 days. Breathing in second-hand smoke is almost as harmful as smoking yourself. It can lead to:

• Reduced oxygen supply to your baby.
• Increased risk of low birth weight and preterm delivery.
• Long-term health issues for your baby, like respiratory problems.

Here’s how to minimize exposure:

• Set Boundaries: Politely ask family members or colleagues not to smoke around you.
• Create Smoke-Free Spaces: Designate areas in your home as strictly non-smoking zones. Politely ask smokers to step outside or designate an outdoor smoking area.
• Avoid Crowded Public Spaces: Try to limit time in areas like restaurants or bus stops where smoking is common.
• Invest in Air Purifiers: These can help reduce the harmful particles in your home’s air.

Nationally, someone smokes in approximately 40.7% of households, with daily smoking occurring in about 25% of homes. If you share your home with someone who smokes, it can be difficult to avoid exposure altogether. However, there are steps you can take:

• Open the Conversation: Share how passive smoking can harm your baby. Sometimes, loved ones don’t realize the impact their habit has on others.
• Encourage Them to Quit: Use your pregnancy as motivation for them to join you in creating a smoke-free environment.
• Spend Time Outdoors: Fresh air is your best friend.
• Prioritize Ventilation: Keep windows open and use fans to improve airflow indoors.

What if Mom Can’t Stop Smoking During Pregnancy?

Quitting smoking can be challenging, especially if it’s a long-standing habit. Urban lifestyle, work stress, relationships and financial stressors lead many adults to resort to smoking from their 20s and in this case it becomes very difficult to stop smoking cold turkey. Smoking is an addiction, and quitting isn’t always easy—especially when stress and cravings take over. If you’re finding it hard to stop, here are some practical steps:

• Talk to Your Doctor: They can suggest nicotine replacement therapies (like gum or patches) that are safe during pregnancy.
• Join Support Groups: Sharing your journey with others who understand can be incredibly encouraging.
• Practice Distraction Techniques: When cravings hit, drink water, chew gum, or take a short walk to divert your mind.
• Take It One Day at a Time: Even reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke can make a difference.

Remember, every cigarette you don’t smoke is a win for your baby’s health.

Take Steps For A Healthier Pregnancy

This sounds cliche but whether you want to hear this or not, it's something you need to know. From the time you conceive you are two lives together. It's not just about your own health but about the lifetime health and quality of life of another soul who is not dependent on you for their well - being. Because you have googled this issue, it at least means you worry and want the best for your baby! Whether you’re struggling with smoking, exposed to passive smoke, or just worried about your baby’s health, remember that small changes can make a big difference. The fact that you’re reading this shows your commitment to giving your baby the healthiest start possible.

If you ever feel overwhelmed, reach out to your doctor or a trusted support system. You’re not alone in this journey, and every step you take toward a smoke-free pregnancy is a step toward a brighter, healthier future for your baby. Pregnancy is a chance to nurture and protect your baby from the very beginning. You’ve got this mamma!