How Harmful is Smoking During Pregnancy!

The nicotine in cigarettes is directly carried through blood stream that enters the placenta, thereby affecting the growing fetus. Several studies have shown negative health outcome during pregnancy. Smoking therefore increases the risk of:

• Baby’s heart rate.

• Miscarriage and stillbirth

• Low birth weight babies

• Bleeding

• Developing respiratory problems.

Ways to quit smoking before and during Pregnancy?

There are many smoking cessation programs available to help you quit smoking. Here are some tips that may help you kick the habit.

1. Designate your home a non-smoking area.

2. Get the support of your friends and family who always cares for you.

3. If any of your friends smoke, ask them not to not to light up. Instead encourage him to give up this habit.

4. Try to avoid caffeinated beverages as caffeine may stimulate your urge to smoke.

5. Change your habits connected with smoking.

6. When you get the urge to smoke, pop up a mint or a chewing gum.

7. Stay occupied to keep your mind off smoking and help to relieve tension.

8. Choose restaurants or places where not many people smoke.

9. Motivate and reward yourself once you have started to quit smoking.

10. Count the cost you spend on cigarettes. You can save this money for arrival of your kid.