Birth Defects Associated With Smoking During Pregnancy

We all know that smoking causes various health problems to both smokers and inhalers of second-hand smoke. When you throw an unborn child into the mix, the dangers of smoking not only affect you, but according to the Human Reproduction Update published on July 11th, they may also have several negative affects on the little one inside of you.

The study found that babies face a greater risk of health problems when their mothers continue to smoke while pregnant. Extensive studies have shown that many of the 4000 chemicals in cigarettes can cross the placental barrier and cause issues in the development of unborn children.

The researchers at University College London, examined nearly 174,000 cases of malformations – they concluded that cigarette chemicals can lead to limb deformities, congenital heart disease, gastrointestinal and optical disorders, clubfoot, oral clefts, premature birth and even stillbirth. Even non-smokers who are consistently exposed to second-hand smoke, at work or home, faced a higher risk of having a stillbirth.

It was reported that 14% of women in the U.S. still smoke during their pregnancies and I personally believe that that is 14% too many.

Do any moms have helpful advice on how expecting mothers or mothers who are planning to get pregnant can kick the habit?