Why you shouldn't smoke during pregnancy.

The list of possible very harmful effects on a baby due to the mother smoking during pregnancy is long, indeed. If you smoke while pregnant you are guaranteeing your child will have at least some of the known problems. There are far too many known risks, even though there have not been a tremendous amount of studies performed, amazing as that sounds. What potential mothers are aware of and what we know about the risks of smoking while pregnant seem to be worlds apart. Every woman needs to be aware of the consequences of smoking while pregnant. Here are just some of the known risks associated with smoking during pregnancy.

Were you aware that when you smoke, so does your baby? That is a well-known fact.

Hundreds of chemicals are added to tobacco, including carbon monoxide and nicotine. The developing fetus gets all of its nourishment from the placenta including oxygen, that if you are smoking is contaminated with chemicals. It is known that cigarette makers put hundreds of chemical into the tobacco for various reasons. Some of them, such as formaldehyde, are known carcinogens that help to make the effects of nicotine almost immediately felt in your brain. We mentioned earlier that when a mother smokes while pregnant her child can have compromised lung functions. The child is being placed at a much higher risk of developing lung related issues such as asthma and a greater tendency toward pneumonia. Bronchitis and other chronic respiratory symptoms are also more common. Keep in mind that these problems also involve your child's immune system. This increases their susceptibility to infections.

It is natural to focus mainly on the immediate physical consequences smoking while pregnant can have on the baby. There is increasing evidence that shows a correlation between smoking during pregnancy and behavioral problems in the child. For example, there is a range of problems including learning disabilities and general behavioral issues. It's a fact that you cannot avoid the risks of smoking while pregnant and they are potentially severe. Where your child is concerned you aren't giving them a fighting chance if you are smoking during pregnancy. Also, consider that nicotine is also present in mother's milk, and there is no let-up for the baby. The decision to quit is up to you if you are smoking and pregnant get the facts and finally quit. Discuss quitting with your physician he'll have some great advice.