Smoking+DUring+Pregnancy


 * Smoking During Pregnancy**

-During Pregnancy it is estimated that over 20 million women smoke. - 9% of women in established/developed countries smoke as well. This is a huge problem that can cause severe problems for the baby during its 9 month stay in the uterus. -It is estimated that if pregnant women would stop smoking in the U.S. then 5% decrease would occur in the deaths of new born babies. - Smoking in general is so deadly because it contains over 2,500 chemicals. 60 of which are known to cause cancer. - Smoking can double a woman's risk of a low-birthweight baby. -In 2002 a statistic showed that 12.2% of babies born from mothers that smoke weighed less than 5.5 pounds, the average weight of a baby born to a non-smoking mother is 7.5 pounds - Smoking also increases the risk of babies being born prematurly. By an average of 37 weeks - Smoking can also lead to developement of life long disabilities such as cerbral palsy, and mental retardation. - Pregnancy Complications are also something that is also caused by smoking - Placenta Previa, this is when the placenta covers over all openings in the uterus -Placental Abruption, this is when the placenta gets wiled away, either somewhat or all the way from the uterine wall right before the baby is born. -Both of these conditions can lead to heavy bleeding during the proces sof delivery - Smoking is even known to cause problems with fertility. However ths problem seems to go away once a woman quits smoking all togather. No perminate damage is done to fertility it is only affected while the smoking is occuring. -Babies have proven to go through withdrawal symptoms, they become scared and can spaz out rather than the babies of non-smokers do not exhibit these symptoms. -It is recomended that women stop smoking before they become pregnate and while they are pregnant to avoid any of these riskes. -After the baby is born it is also suggested that a smoke-free enviornment be kept in order to keep the baby as healthy as possible. They can develope lung infections as well as colds from breathing in smoke. It has also been proven that second hand smoke is sometimes more deadly than direct contact with smoke. IOmportant to Note. - When a woman smokes it is important to note that this will give the baby difficulties breathing, and can lead to them not getting enough oxygen to their brain. It the oxygen supply is cut off, this is where some of the disibilities can playa major role. -It has also been proven that babies from smoking mothers are sometimes under developed in their bodies and with their lungs as well. This can lead to a life time of difficultie with underdeveloped lungs, it is known to cause difficulties with breathing as well as other side effects.



http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1171.asp http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/smoking.html
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