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Smoking
By any measure,
a smoke-free lifestyle is a healthier lifestyle, and
women who are continuing to smoke during pregnancy shouldn't
give up their efforts to give up cigarettes. And, while
scare tactics rarely help adults stop smoking, doctors
say the facts are inescapable: if you're smoking, you're
baby is smoking, too.
Cigarette smoking
has been linked to miscarriage, bleeding and nausea
among pregnant women. Their babies often suffer as well:
reduced birth weight, premature birth, stillbirth, and
chest infections and asthma that can last a lifetime.
In addition, researchers say babies born to smoking
mothers are more vulnerable to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
A common misconception
is that if you're a smoker who's already pregnant, the
damage is done. Not so, say doctors. Smoking is harmful
throughout your pregnancy; you and your baby will begin
reaping the benefits of a smoke-free lifestyle the minute
you stop smoking. By stopping now, you'll reduce your
chances for morning sickness, have fewer complications
during your pregnancy and give birth to a healthier,
more content baby.
Though the benefits
of smoking cessation do not negate the fact that kicking
the habit can be extremely difficult, statistics show
that more women stop smoking during pregnancy than at
any other time in their lives. Your doctor can help
you determine the smoking cessation method best suited
to your smoking habits, including treatment and social
support to help improve your chances of success.
A few tips to
help women stop smoking during pregnancy:
Persevere. Even if you've stopped smoking and begun
again, it's not too late to try again. Every time you
stop smoking, you improve your chances of becoming a
long-term non-smoker.
Get support from family and friends. All have an interest
in your health and the health of your baby.
Count the rewards. Remind yourself, one hour at a time,
of all you gain by not smoking, including self-confidence
and improved health for you and your baby. |
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