Smoking is bad for anyone's health. But this habit is especially harmful during pregnancy, since it will not only harm you, but also your baby, who is especially vulnerable because he is developing. Tobacco contains more than 4000 dangerous substances among which nicotine and carbon monoxide stand out. It also contains other substances such as cyanide, lead and at least 60 substances considered carcinogenic. When you smoke during pregnancy, this cocktail of substances enters your bloodstream, reaching your baby who feeds through it.
Despite this, many women continue to smoke during pregnancy. Some people think that smoking a few cigarettes a day is better than submitting to the stress of withdrawal. However, no minimum amount of tobacco has been established that is safe during pregnancy, so it is recommended to stop smoking as soon as possible. The longer you smoke, the more risk your baby has for problems. But, if you have reached the final stretch of pregnancy and you have not achieved it, do not throw in the towel. Even quitting smoking in recent weeks, both you and your baby will benefit.
Why is smoking dangerous during pregnancy?
When you smoke, nicotine and carbon monoxide work together to narrow your blood vessels, including those that nourish your baby through the umbilical cord, so your baby receives much less oxygen and nutrients than he needs.
Tobacco use is associated with an increase in risk of miscarriage or lifeless baby. It also increases the probability of sudden infant death syndrome after birth by up to 25%.
But in addition to the serious consequences mentioned, if you smoke while pregnant, it increases the probability that you will suffer other serious complications.
- Risk of premature delivery or low birth weight.
- Increase in respiratory diseases during childhood.
- Placental abruption.
- Ectopic pregnancy.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Increased likelihood of suffering from learning or behavioral disorders or having particularly low IQs.
- Increased risk of certain malformations such as cleft lip or palate.
- Withdrawal syndrome at birth increasing their irritability and discomfort.
- Greater predisposition to develop addictions in adulthood.
What can you do?
No expectant mother wants to harm her child, but overcoming nicotine addiction is not easy. That is why we give you a series of tips that you can put into practice to make the process as bearable as possible.
- Seek support. You do not need to carry the load by yourself. Tell your family, friends, and even your doctor about your intention to quit. Surely all of them will be able to give you the necessary support so that you can overcome your addiction.
- Set a day to quit for good. The sooner you do it, the sooner you will pass the bad drink and less complications for your baby. Set a date and quit completely. It is easier not to smoke at all than to smoke just a little.
- Change your routines. Avoid situations in which you used to smoke or in which you anticipate that you might feel like doing so. If, for example, you used to smoke a cigarette while watching TV or having a coffee, you can substitute them for others such as doing some manual work, going for a walk or having a different infusion instead of coffee.
- Always have sugar-free candies or fresh fruit on hand. Draw, knit or do any manual work keep you distracted and help you keep your hands busy.
- Stay well hydrated. Drink water, tea or infusions that help you detoxify and help you eliminate the anxiety about eating or taking a cigarette.
- Do exercise. Exercise helps oxygenate your body, increasing feelings of well-being and reducing cravings for smoking.
- Give yourself a little tribute for every day without smoking. You deserve it!
- Put tobacco money in a piggy bank and use it to buy something for yourself or your baby.
- Be positive think the worst will happen in a few days. The so-called monkey usually lasts between 10 and 12 days. After that, everything will be much easier.
- Sometimes it is necessary to resort to external help. Seek psychological support or a support group if you consider it necessary.
- Lead a healthy and balanced life. Eat healthy, get some exercise, and rest.
- Think of your baby and in the benefits that your decision to quit smoking will bring to both of you.
I hope these tips help you to quit tobacco use. I know it is not an easy task, but your health and that of your baby are well worth the effort. I wish you lots of strength and encouragement to give your baby a smoke-free welcome.