The Effects of Smoking on a Pregnant Woman's Fetus

Smoking during pregnancy has been linked to numerous negative side effects for the baby before and after birth.

Low Birth Weight

Babies born to mothers who smoke have a 2 to 4 times greater risk of having a low birth weight (less than 5.5 lbs). According to Baby Center.com, a mother who smokes half a pack a day can reduce the weight of her baby by half a pound. By smoking one pack a day, the birth weight can be decreased by as much as a pound.

Breathing Difficulties

A low birth weight is often accompanied by immature lung development. Also, babies born to smoking mothers have a greater chance of developing asthma as they grow older.

Birth Defects

Mothers who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have babies born with birth defects. These defects include cerebral palsy, mental retardation and heart problems.

Increased Risk of SIDS

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment states that a mother who smokes has a greater chance of having a baby with a predisposition to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The risk of having a baby suffer from SIDS is 2 to 3 times higher for mothers who smoke.

Risk of Learning Problems

Smoking while pregnant has been linked to learning problems in children. These children are more prone to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and even a lower IQ.

References

• How Smoking During Pregnancy Affects You and Your Baby
• Smoking While Pregnant
• Smoking During Pregnancy