Is smoking harmful in pregnancy - yes or no? Best tips to quit smoking.

Tobacco use during pregnancy is one of the pressing global health problems, which jeopardizes the life of both the mother and the unborn child. Even with all the campaigns that have been made on the risks that are associated with smoking, many pregnant women still smoke and expose their unborn child to so many risks.

Effects on Fetal Development:

1. Growth Restriction: These studies were attributed to that smoking decreased blood flow to the placenta hence minimal oxygen and nutrient supply leading to growth restraint of the fetus and low birth weight.

2. Premature Birth: Cigarette smoking causes premature birth which has negative impact on the newborn; the child may suffer from respiratory problems, may have developmental disability, or may even die in infancy.

3. Birth Defects: Research says that cigarettes cause birth defects such as cleft palate, heart disease, and birth anomalies of the limbs.

4. Neurodevelopmental Delays: Results show that tobacco smoke damages the fetus brain during development causing developmental issues in cognitive, behavior and learning.

5. Increased Risk of SIDS: Pregnant women who smoke are likely to deliver babies that are at high risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

6. Placenta Problems: Tobacco usage increases the risks of placenta preavia, placental abruption as well as other placental complications which may result in severe bleeding that may harm the fetus.

7. Long-term Consequences: There are some adverse health effects in a child that is exposed with tobacco smoke before birth these include asthma, ADHD, among others.

What are the possible ways to quit smoking especially during pregnancy?

 Smoking should therefore stop during pregnancy because this is very dangerous for the lives of both the mother and the fetus. 

• On how to quit smoking; it is advisable to chose a certain day and time when you will quit the smoking habit and involve your doctor. 
• Gum or lozenges containing nicotine will also help in the management of urges.
•  Counseling and support groups also include a lot of encouragement as well. 
• Realization of specific situations such as stress or social interaction that may lead to such behaviors and then use healthier methods to deal with such incidences.
•  Exercise in outside interests or try other activities in order to eliminate one’s focus on those particular objects. 
• Pun intended, give yourself a little something if you do not light up a cigarette after a week or two. Use different approaches that can help to decrease stress levels such as acupuncture or meditation.
•  But most importantly never forget why it is important to quit smoking; contribution to a healthy baby and decrease of complications that can be result of pregnancy. 

The fact is that smoking cessation during pregnancy is possible having a focused goal and needed support, this will bring a better future for both mother and the baby.