What effects does smoking have on pregnant women?

The impact of smoking on pregnant women. When you see such words, the first thing you think of is the harm to the baby. In fact, not only your child will be seriously affected, but in many cases the pregnant woman’s own body will also be affected. So let’s talk about the impact of smoking on pregnant women.

At present, quite a lot of research has confirmed that smoking during pregnancy will harm the fetus, which relies on the placenta and umbilical cord to provide nutrition and oxygen to the mother. Therefore, any substance ingested by the mother may be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta. The innocent fetus naturally has no choice but to accept it all. Or when the fetus can no longer bear it, premature birth may occur in order to quickly escape the adverse uterine environment.

The adverse effects of smoking during pregnancy on the fetus are related to the amount of smoking per day. A research report from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital shows that pregnant women who smoke a pack of cigarettes a day have a 20% increased risk of perinatal complications and mortality compared to non-smoking pregnant women; those who smoke more than a pack a day have a 30% increased risk.

Nicotine, carbon monoxide, or other toxic substances contained in cigarettes may have the following adverse effects on the fetus:

1. Increased rate of spontaneous abortion: Women who smoke are more likely to have spontaneous abortion, and the probability of this happening is directly related to the amount of smoking. Pregnant women who smoke have an 80% increased risk of miscarriage compared to non-smoking women. The main cause of miscarriage is that smoking destroys the function of the placenta and causes early spontaneous abortion.

2. Increased fetal mortality rate: American experts point out that the main cause of 4,600 infant deaths each year is smoking among pregnant women. Pregnant women who smoke during pregnancy are four times more likely to die during the perinatal period than non-smoking women. The mortality rate is also directly related to the amount of smoking.

Therefore, smoking is very harmful to pregnant women. We can basically say that smoking by pregnant women is of no help to their own health or the health of their babies. It is entirely because of the irresponsible behavior of pregnant women. Therefore, for the sake of yourself and your baby, it is better to quit smoking as soon as possible.