The risks involved with smoking during pregnancy

Fewer people are smoking during their pregnancy now than in the past. But many people still smoke. Even if someone doesn't smoke during pregnancy, they may be exposed to secondhand smoke at home, at work, or in social settings. New research has focused on the dangers from third-hand smoke. These are the chemicals, particles, and gases of tobacco that are left on hair, clothing, and furnishings.

Smoke can be harmful to a fetus in many ways. It may cause:

• Low birth weight.

• Damage to a baby's lungs.

• Preterm birth.

• Death from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (also called SIDS).

• Death before birth from miscarriage or stillbirth.

• A higher risk for birth defects.

Babies born to someone who smokes may also have:

• Poor lung development.

• Asthma and respiratory infections.

• A higher risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

• Physical growth problems.

• Intellectual development problems.

• Behavioral problems.

• Childhood obesity.

• Colic.

You can also have problems during your pregnancy because of smoking, such as:

• Placental problems, like placental abruption and placenta previa.

• Ectopic pregnancy.

• Bleeding from the vagina.

• Preterm labor.

• Infections in the uterus.

Researchers think that carbon monoxide and nicotine from cigarettes cause many of these harmful effects. Carbon monoxide lowers oxygen in the blood. Nicotine stimulates certain hormones.

Babies of those who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have reduced fetal growth and low birth weight.

Quitting smoking early in your pregnancy raises your chance of delivering a healthy baby. Talk with your doctor about choices that can help you stop or limit smoking and smoke exposure risk.