Smoking During
Pregnancy
by: Beverley Brooke
If you have been
drinking up until the point when you become pregnant or
smoking it is also vital that you stop doing so
immediately. Many women worry that they
consumed a few alcoholic drinks prior to learning they
were pregnant. If you are concerned you should talk with
your healthcare provider. Chances are that everything
will be just fine as long as you stop immediately.
At this time there are no
recommended safe limits of alcohol to consume during
pregnancy, thus it is best that you avoid alcohol all
together.
Smoking is equally as harmful for a mother during pregnancy.
Smoking can also affect your unborn fetus, potentially
contributing to birth defects or respiratory problems later in
life. Did you know that when you smoke your baby is receiving
less oxygen than they normally would? This can cause your baby
to grow less rapidly than they might normally, and may also
contribute to preterm labor, which can be potentially life
threatening for your infant.
If you are a smoker when you find out you are pregnant, be sure
to consult with your healthcare provider immediately about your
condition. Your healthcare provider can work with you to
develop a plan for quitting that is manageable and something
you can learn to live with during your pregnancy. There are
also numerous support groups available for mothers who are
trying to quit during and even after pregnancy. Remember that
the sooner you quit smoking, the sooner you start providing
your unborn child with the best possible outcome for a healthy
and safe delivery and later life.
Here are some avenues of support if you are trying to quite
smoking during pregnancy:
National Partnership to Help Pregnant Smokers Quit
www.helppregnantsmokersquit.org/
The American Legacy Foundation
www.americanlegacy.org/americanlegacy/skins/alf/home.aspx
About The Author
Article by Beverley Brooke, author of "Ensure a healthy safe
pregnancy for you and your baby", visit www.pregnancy-weight-loss.com
for more on pregnancy health issues.
beverley.brooke@healthandfinesse.com
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