The Dangers of Smoking During Pregnancy and How to Quit

Pregnancy complications that are associated with smoking during pregnancy are dangerous; they are a threat to the life of the mother as well as the unborn baby. However, some pregnant women have not given up smoking as it is a vices and some fail to understand that they are exposing their unborn babies to serious health hazards. The purpose of this article is to bring awareness to the life threatening risks associated with smoking during pregnancy and methods to find ways to stop.

Effects of Pregnancy and Smoking

Health Risks to the Mother

Most women desire to be pregnant in their lifetime because that comes with the responsibility of bearing children and the mother’s health risks are as follows;

Ectopic Pregnancy

This condition befalls when a fertilized egg implants itself in a location other than the uterus, usually the fallopian tube. It is noteworthy that smoking enhances the probability of ectopic pregnancy which is a dangerous condition that should be treated as soon as possible.

Placental Abruption

Smoking leads to early lifting of the placenta from the outer layer of the uterus which results in excessive bleeding that is dangerous to both the mother and the child.

Placenta Previa

This condition is not desirable since the placenta extends to cover the cervix and can result in severe bleeding when delivering, a situation that is a danger to the lives of both mother and baby.

Preterm Labor

Smoking also raises the risk of preterm labor which is a problem for the baby, organs may be underdeveloped in this case.

Health Risks to the Baby

The effects of smoking extend beyond the mother, significantly impacting the baby's health:

Low Birth Weight

Infants fed on their mother’s smoke suffer from low birth weight; this is accompanied by a rash of health complications such as mental development delays and vulnerability to diseases.

Birth Defects

Smoking also has dire consequences on its users in so far as congenital disabilities are concerned since it leads to cleft lip or palate.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Remarkably, children born to mothers who smoke are more likely to die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome; SIDS, death of an otherwise healthy baby.

Respiratory Issues

Children breastfed by smoking mothers are prone to develop respiratory-related diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.

Neurodevelopmental Issues

Inhalation of nicotine and other chemicals alters the baby’s brain and causes concentration and behavioral disorders.

How to Quit Smoking During Pregnancy

It is very difficult to quit smoking and even more so during pregnancy when the hormonal shifts can make cravings even stronger. Therefore, despite the advantages it has unravelled for both the mother and the baby, cessation is mandatory. Here are some effective strategies to help quit smoking during pregnancy:

Seek Professional Help

Medical Consultation

Share with your doctor your current practices about smoking. They can give information, samples, and may possibly give medications or NRT that are safe for pregnant ladies.

Counseling

Professional counseling is an important undertaking to engage because it offers all the help and advice required to end the addiction. CBT is effective in assisting smokers in smoking cessation The researchers concluded that smokers who received both treatment gains from CBT in the reduction of smoking.

Use Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT)

It is admitted that it is better to quit smoking without the assistance of NRT, though some of the products, such as nicotine gum or patches, may be less harmful than smoking. It is therefore important that before beginning any use of NRT, one should consult their doctor to diss whether it is good for him/her and the baby.

Addressing Stress and Anxiety

Pregnancy as such is an example of a stressful time in a woman’s life, and smoking is used to manage stress. Ideally, there is a need to look for other coping mechanism to the pressure. This is possible by using techniques like mindfulness meditation, prenatal yoga, and breathing exercises for cutting down anxiety and maintaining calmness without cigarettes.

Emotional Support

One should also not underestimate the emotions that come with the decision of quitting smoking. The pregnant female experiences hormonal changes hence is distressed when she tries to quit and makes it difficult. Help and encouragement from the partners, family, friends or other support groups may also act as booster to keep the group moving on. Talking to people and showing them that you are going through similar tough times can bring relief and prevent one from feeling alone.

Adopt Healthy Habits

Exercise

One should engage in physical exercises regularly as it can assist in cut down the desire and stress. It is safe for pregnant women to walk swim, or do prenatal yoga.

Healthy Eating

It has been noted that taking proper meals in the right proportions can help in enhancing the physical health, thus minimizing the need to take cigarettes. Diet containing foods with vitamins and minerals can assist in flushing the nicotine out of the body.

Hydration

Staying hydrated is very important for proper functioning of the body and may considerably help in defeating appetizing urges.

Avoid Triggers

Avoid places and anything that can lead to the need to take a cigarette. Stress is considered one of the leading causes as well as social interactions and daily routines. Try to find other means through which you can deal with such encourages such as through doing a particular activity that will make you happy or through doing a breathing exercise.

Build a Support Network

Assemble supportive people in your life who acknowledge your desire to stop smoking. Support can be received from the groups such as expecting moms to quit smoking since they share a common goal, and story in common.

Conclusion

Pregnancy and smoking therefore pose numerous hazards that are a risk to the lives of both the mother and the unborn baby. The complications point to the need quit smoking this includes preterm labor low birth weight and respiratory problems. Therefore with the help of professional assistance, proper use of available NRTs, having healthy lifestyle, avoiding certain factors that may lead to smoking, and having families to support them expectant mothers can quit smoking for health of both themselves and their babies.