Cigarette smoking is the main reason for maldevelopment of the baby. Babies can be born prematurely, remain too small or die in the womb. It is no secret that pregnancies are a major cause ofThey lose a large part of their risk if the mother does not smoke.
Almost all diseases can be treated medically, but if an expectant mother smokes cigarettes, there is nothing that can protect the baby from harm.
Cigarette smoke contains over 4000 chemicals, including toxins such as cyanide, lead and at least 60 carcinogens. When a pregnant woman smokes, these toxic substances enter the bloodstream and are fed directly to the baby, which gets its nourishment and oxygen from the mother's blood. In addition to cyanide and lead, cigarettes naturally contain nicotine and carbon monoxide, which are the main causes of complications in pregnancy. The worst complications, including stillbirth, premature birth and low birth weight, are caused by nicotine cutting off the oxygen supply by constricting blood vessels throughout the body, including the umbilical cord. Thus, the baby suffers from a permanent lack of oxygen. This would be like having to breathe through a narrow straw. In addition, the red blood cells, which serve as oxygen carriers, transport carbon monoxide molecules instead of oxygen, so that the narrow straw suddenly contains far less oxygen than it should.
Lack of oxygen can have fatal consequences for the baby. Development and growth are slowed down. On average, smoking during pregnancy doubles the risk of the child being born prematurely or weighing less than 2 1/2 kg at birth. The risk of a stillbirth triples due to smoking.
Every single cigarette increases the baby's health risks. Even though a few cigarettes a day are less dangerous than a whole pack, the difference is not as big as you think. A smoker's body is particularly sensitive to the first nicotine dose of the day, so that even one or two cigarettes significantly constrict the blood vessels. This is why even occasional smoking during pregnancy can have an outsized effect on the baby's health.
How cigarettes affect the baby
Weight and size: On average, a baby whose mother smoked a packet of cigarettes a day weighs 300g less at birth. Two packs a day can cost the baby more than half a kilo. Birth weight is important for the baby because it is particularly vulnerable in the first days of its life. Every gram of body weight makes it stronger. If the baby's growth is stunted in the womb, lifelong consequences can develop.
Body and lungs: Underweight babies have underdeveloped bodies. Their lungs may not yet be able to function on their own and they may need to be on a ventilator for a few days. Due to underdeveloped lung function and side effects of nicotine, they may have breathing problems throughout their lives. They are particularly susceptible to asthma. The risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) triples.
Brain function: Smoking during pregnancy can cause lifelong impairments in brain function. Children of parents who smoke develop behavioural and learning disorders more easily and may have a lower intelligence quotient.
