The research is clear, expectant mothers who smoke during pregnancy expose themselves and their unborn babies to unnecessary health risks and possible complications at the birth. When an expectant mother smokes the lethal chemicals and toxins are passed to the baby through her bloodstream, the baby's source of oxygen and nutrients. Nicotine and carbon monoxide are particularly dangerous to the baby. They work together to reduce the oxygen supply, which can have a devastating effect on the baby's growth and overall development.

“Pregnancy, Infants & Smoking- An Irish National Status Report” (2000), points out clearly, the serious health implications of maternal smoking during pregnancy.
It doubles the risk of a low birth weight baby.
Smoking is a major risk factor for “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome” (SIDS). Some research suggests that 25% of all cot deaths are linked to smoking. It has also been linked to childhood asthma.

In health studies into the long term effects of cigarette smoking, the children of cigarette smokers have shown impairments in physical growth, intellectual and emotional development and behaviour. Girls who are exposed to nicotine before birth are more likely to smoke when they grow up and may be more likely to use other drugs.

Maternal smoking can result in painful diseases in early childhood, such as inflammation of the middle ear.
Babies whose mother’s smoke are much more likely to suffer from colic.
A recent scientific study conducted in Canada and the Netherlands has shown that the babies of mothers who smoke during pregnancy can be more inclined to aggressive and violent behaviour as they grow up.

In addition to the difficulties and increased risks to the unborn baby, smoking during pregnancy can also lead to complications for the mother which result in sickness, bleeding or miscarriage. Compared to non smokers, smokers are 30% more likely to have a miscarriage and twice as likely as non smokers to develop a problem with the placenta.

Furthermore, as a non smoker your children are much less likely to smoke. It is estimated that children whose parents smoke are twice as likely to take up the habit themselves. Although there is a chemical addiction to nicotine there is also a strong psychological attachment. A major component of that psychological conditioning is the example we learn from our parents or grandparents. They are the most influential authority figures in our lives, so if they smoke it must be ok. Some well meaning parents go to extraordinary lengths to try to hide their smoking from the children. In my opinion their efforts are meaningless; you simply can’t hide that disgusting smell. And as unpleasant as that smell is, for a child it becomes the smell with which they associate mum or dad, so from a very early age they connect the smell of cigarette smoke with love, security and comfort. A dangerous link is made in a young impressionable mind.

The facts are frightening however there is a wonderful opportunity for you to do something incredible for both your baby and yourself. Take immediate steps to stop smoking now! If you are already well into your pregnancy, it’s never too late to quit. You can give your baby the best possible chance to come into this world healthy, fit and strong. In addition your own health and wellbeing will improve dramatically. As soon as you quit your baby begins to receive all of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to grow and develop.