Smoking and pregnancy: many risks for the unborn child

If you smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke while you are pregnant, your baby is also exposed to harmful chemicals. This can lead to many serious health problems, including this[1]:

- Will reduce the amount of oxygen available to you and your growing baby

- Will increase your baby's heart rate

- Will increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy

- Will increase the risks of miscarriage and perinatal mortality

- Will increase the risk of fetal death in utero

- Will increase the risk that your baby will be born prematurely and/or have a low birth weight

- Will increase your child's risk of respiratory (lung) problems

- Will increase the risk of birth defects

- Will increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

To limit these risks, it is essential to stop smoking as early as possible during pregnancy and even before conception.

Reducing the number of cigarettes smoked/day does not limit these risks due to the phenomenon of compensation. Indeed, in the case of nicotine addiction and in order to avoid unpleasant symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, the smoker will unconsciously inhale her cigarettes more intensely, which does not reduce the inhalation of toxins.

Sad record for France where 16%[2] women smoke in the 3rd trimester of their pregnancy: France is thus the country in Europe where pregnant women smoke the most. The risks to the health of the unborn baby increase as the pregnant woman smokes or is exposed to smoke.

If you are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke during your pregnancy, you are at increased risk of stillbirth, low birth weight, and/or birth defects or other complications. Babies and children exposed to secondhand smoke may also develop asthma, allergies, and more frequent lung and ear infections. and are at higher risk of SIDS

Quitting smoking at any time during pregnancy is beneficial and the earlier the better. No pregnant woman should be exposed to second-hand smoke. Smoking bans that protect the entire population are essential and it is essential to remember that smokers should never smoke near pregnant women in their homes.

It is essential to avoid passive smoking by recommending zero tobacco at home, in the car and at work.