Pregnancy and Smoking Effects - Protect Your Baby and Quit Smoking During Pregnancy

Peanut butter and jelly, bacon and eggs, macaroni and cheese; what are these examples of? The answer is things that go great together. Pregnancy and smoking effects? They definitely do not belong in that list. They are two things that should never, ever go together. If you are pregnant and still smoking it is time to quit. Allow me to tell you why and how.

It is bad enough that smokers who are not pregnant continue to puff away even though they know smoking is dangerous for their health, but pregnant mothers who continue to smoke not only subject themselves to the dangers of smoking. They also put their innocent babies at risk.

What risks are we talking about here? They are many and can be very serious. The most serious threats smoking causes to an unborn baby are: 

• Preterm Birth-Smoking can greatly increase the chance of your baby being born early, before they are fully developed.
• Low birth-weight-Smoking can cause your baby to be born at a low birth weight leading to health issues.
• Placenta damage-Smoking damages the placenta. Since the placenta is what provides nutrients to the fetus, this placenta damage directly effects and harms your unborn baby.

As an expectant mother I am sure you have already developed a loving bond to the baby growing inside you and you want to protect them and make sure they are safe. Quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can do to keep your baby safe and make sure they are born healthy.

You can do it with the right kind of help. Do not try to go it alone, your chances of successfully quitting smoking "cold turkey" are very low. You need a smoking cessation that is specifically designed for pregnant women.

Try to find one that is all natural. You want to avoid using medication or nicotine replacement therapies (like the patch) as these can be harmful to your baby. You also want one that works fast as time is of the essence.

Pregnancy and smoking effects go together like cats and dogs. Make the decision to quit smoking if you are pregnant and get help. Choose a smoking cessation method that is appropriate for an expectant mother.

Pregnancy and smoking effects should never go together. You can protect your baby by quitting smoking today. Imagine what a gift this pregnancy can be, not only will it bring a beautiful baby into your life, it can be the spring-board to a smoke-free existence

Good Luck !