Smoking during pregnancy exposes both the pregnant individual and the developing fetus to thousands of chemicals, including nicotine and carbon monoxide. These substances cross the placenta, directly affecting the baby’s growth and health. This preventable exposure carries serious consequences for maternal and infant well-being.
Risks to Fetal Development and Birth
Smoking during pregnancy reduces the unborn baby’s oxygen supply. Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke replaces oxygen in the blood, and nicotine constricts blood vessels in the umbilical cord and uterus. This diminished oxygen and nutrient flow can impede fetal growth and development.
A primary consequence is low birth weight, defined as weighing less than 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms) at birth, which nearly doubles for babies born to smokers. Premature birth, occurring before 37 weeks of pregnancy, is also more likely, potentially leading to underdeveloped organs and health problems. Smoking also increases the risk of certain birth defects, such as cleft lip or cleft palate.
Placental problems, including placenta previa and placental abruption, are associated with maternal smoking. These conditions can restrict the fetus’s oxygen and nutrient supply and pose risks during delivery. Babies whose mothers smoked during pregnancy also face a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), a sudden and unexplained death in infants.
Long-Term Health Effects on the Child
Maternal smoking during pregnancy can lead to enduring health challenges for the child that extend beyond infancy. Respiratory problems, such as wheezing and asthma, are more common in children exposed to tobacco smoke prenatally. These children may also experience reduced lung function and a higher susceptibility to lung infections.
Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy may also face behavioral and learning difficulties. Research indicates a higher risk of conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and impaired cognitive development. A 2024 analysis observed that children exposed to tobacco before birth scored approximately 5.2 points lower in standardized reading tests and 4.7 points lower in math tests. These academic struggles can persist into adolescence, potentially increasing the likelihood of dropping out of high school by 25%.
There is an increased risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life for children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy.
Maternal Pregnancy Complications
Smoking during pregnancy also poses direct health risks for the pregnant individual. A primary complication is an increased risk of miscarriage, which is the loss of a baby before the 20th week of pregnancy. Smoking can also double the risk of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and delivery.
Ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube, is another risk associated with smoking. This condition can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Placental complications, such as placenta previa and placental abruption, also directly affect the mother’s health. Placenta previa can lead to severe bleeding, while placental abruption involves the premature detachment of the placenta, potentially causing maternal hemorrhage. Smoking also increases the risk of premature rupture of membranes, where the amniotic sac breaks before labor begins, potentially leading to early labor and other complications for the mother.
Quitting Smoking During Pregnancy
Stopping smoking at any point during pregnancy offers significant health benefits for both the pregnant individual and the baby. Even quitting in the later stages of pregnancy can help improve the baby’s health outcomes. The harmful gases and chemicals from cigarettes, such as carbon monoxide, begin to clear from the body almost immediately after quitting.
Support resources are available to assist in quitting. Counseling, including telephone services like Quitline, can provide behavioral interventions tailored for pregnant individuals. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) may be considered under medical supervision, with options like nicotine patches or faster-acting formulations. It is advisable to discuss quitting strategies with a healthcare provider, who can offer personalized guidance and connect individuals with local support groups or programs. Quitting smoking is a powerful step towards a healthier future for both the mother and the child.