The child of a mother who smokes during pregnancy is at risk for a long list of harmful effects. If you smoke during pregnancy, your child won't develop all of the known issues but he or she is guaranteed to develop at least a few of them. There are far too many known risks, even though there have not been a tremendous amount of studies performed, amazing as that sounds. There is a large disconnect between what we know about the potential risks and what potential mothers are aware of. The consequences of smoking while pregnant need to be known and understood by all women. The following is information on just a few of the known consequences associated with smoking while pregnant.
The worst effect of smoking during pregnancy can be the death of your child. Also, there are real dangers associated with second hand smoke, one of which is the increased chance of the baby dying from SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. SIDS is when a child under the age of one dies with no apparent cause as to why. Obviously, this is an extremely serious risk for smoking pregnant mothers to take. If more women were aware of the risks of smoking while pregnant, we believe that more would work harder to quit.
One of the possible birth defects caused by smoking is cleft palate, cleft lip or both.
Both are considered birth defects and either one or both are more possible in your baby due to the mother smoking while pregnant. Birth defects can have negative effects on the development of your child before and after birth. You child could be negatively impacted by social stigma and various speech problems.
Focusing on the immediate physical consequences smoking while pregnant can have on the baby is natural. However, there is more evidence accumulating that suggests a correlation to negative effects more evident in behavioral difficulties. This can include learning disabilities and general behavioral issues with the child.
There are many problems associated with smoking during pregnancy but you can eliminate the risk to your child by quitting. The facts in this case are pretty black and white. If you need additional motivation then you should do more reading and learn more about all that can possibly happen to your baby. The list includes infant death, still births, and a higher risk of SIDS. Anyone can see that smoking during pregnancy is extremely harmful for your baby and for you.
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