The Dangers of Smoking During Pregnancy

The dangers of smoking during pregnancy are very important to realize. Various harmful substances contained in cigarettes can increase the risk of problems during pregnancy, such as premature birth and congenital defects in the fetus.

Pregnant women need to know that carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke can inhibit the flow of oxygen and nutrient intake to the fetus. This can interfere with fetal breathing and make the fetal heart rate faster.  Not only that, smoking habits or frequent exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy are also known to increase the risk of congenital diseases in the fetus and miscarriage, which makes smoking one of the taboos for pregnant women, especially in the early trimester.

The Dangers of Smoking Throughout Pregnancy for Mother and Fetus

Smoking habits or frequent inhalation of cigarette smoke (passive smoking) can have various impacts on the health of the fetus, namely:

• Born prematurely.
• Higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome
• Respiratory problems, for example due to ARI, pneumonia, or asthma
• Congenital defects, such as congenital heart disease, defects in the brain and nerves, or abnormalities in other organs and parts of the body, such as biliary atresia and gastroschisis
• Developmental disorders
• Psychological and behavioral problems, such as ADHD and autism

Smoking throughout pregnancy not only includes a negative impact on the fetus in the womb, however also for pregnant women. The following are some conditions that are more at risk for pregnant women who smoke frequently:

• Disorders of the placenta, such as placenta previa and placental abruption or separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before the baby is born
• Premature rupture of membranes
• Miscarriage

In addition to active smokers, the dangers of smoking during pregnancy can also be experienced by pregnant women and fetuses who are exposed to secondhand smoke or secondhand smoke. The risk of pregnancy problems can even increase if exposure to secondhand smoke occurs repeatedly, for example, if a family member smokes in the house.

Choice of Ways and Tips to Quit Smoking

The best way that pregnant women can do to avoid the dangers of smoking during pregnancy is to stop smoking. Pregnant women attempt try a therapy to prevent smoking known as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). This therapy can be done by several methods, namely:

• Nicotine gum, which is used by chewing slowly for 30 minutes
• Lozenges are tablets that are placed between the gums and therefore the inside the cheek, then sucked for half-hour
• Sublingual tablets, that are tablets that are placed below the tongue and allowed to dissolve in the mouth
• Inhalers, that are inhaled drugs that has to be used frequently
• Transdermal, within the type of patches affixed to the surface of the skin.
• Avoid things that may make pregnant women want to smoke, like stress or hanging out with fellow smokers.
• Nasal and mouth spray

However, before deciding to carry out the various therapies above, pregnant women are advised to consult with a gynecologist first. Always pay attention to the dose of nicotine absorbed by the body regardless of the therapeutic method used. Quitting smoking suddenly is difficult, but not impossible. Some of the following ways can help pregnant women to stop smoking and avoid cigarette smoke:

• Avoid situations that can make pregnant women want to smoke, such as stress or hanging out with fellow smokers.
• Make a list of reasons to quit smoking and of course the main focus is the health of pregnant women and fetuses.
• Stay away from cigarette smoke wherever pregnant women are.
• Divert the desire to smoke by doing other activities, such as chewing gum, exercising, or meditation.

During the adaptation period, it is not uncommon for pregnant women who have stopped smoking to be tempted to smoke again after giving birth. However, this in fact needs a commitment from pregnant women themselves to fully stop these unhealthy habits.

If pregnant women find it difficult to stay away from cigarettes, try to consult a gynecologist. Doctors will facilitate pregnant women to prevent smoking, and can still monitor the health conditions of pregnant women and their fetuses to anticipate numerous disorders because of the dangers of smoking during pregnancy.