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Second-hand Smoke And Being pregnant – A Dangerous Combination

Did you know second hand smoking and pregnancy isn’t only dangerous to your health, but to that of your unborn child? Studies have shown that the risk to your child is virtually as great as if you were the tobacco user.  This might be upsetting information when it seems like people are smoking all around you.

By breathing in the smoke from a burning cigarette, you take the hazardous chemicals straight into your system in the same manner that a cigarette smoker would without the benefit from the filter.  Non-smoking mothers who have had extended exposure to second hand smoke have been shown to have these kinds of chemical compounds within their system. Nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide are then passed to the baby via the placenta, thereby subjecting the unborn infant to their hazardous effects.

With second hand smoking and pregnancy, the health risks to the baby are the same as they are for cigarette smokers. Improper lung growth, low birth weight, and heightened chance of miscarriage are the common problems. Additionally, there’s some proof to suggest that exposure to second hand smoke during utero can add to the threat of some forms of childhood cancers.

Sudden infant death syndrome can also be related to an unborn baby’s exposure to cigarette smoke.  This tragic and totally unforeseen loss of a child isn’t just emotionally disastrous for new moms and dads, but often leaves them confused and questioning why and how.

If you are expecting, avoid second hand smoking and pregnancy health risks.  This might appear impossible but it really can be done if you’re persistent. When eating at restaurants, opt for restaurants that don’t permit smoking. Although the majority of restaurants will no longer allow it, the ones that act as a tavern or club in addition to serving food will usually permit their patrons to light up.

Keep your household smokeless to prevent the dangerous second hand smoking and pregnancy combo.  Let guests understand in advance that smoking cigarettes is not allowed within your house or on your property. Don’t be worried to stand your ground or worry about offending anyone. Your baby’s health and wellness is at stake and you need to give her or him a proper start in life. Make certain that your family and friends know the risks of second hand smoking and pregnancy. When provided with this information, they may be more likely to give you support in your initiatives to keep a smoke free environment for you as well as your baby. If you do have smokers inside your family or circle of friends, encourage them to stop smoking for their own health and wellbeing along with those around them.  Be supporting without being condescending so they might be a lot more open to quitting smoking.

Second hand smoking and pregnancy is really a dangerous combination. By being diligent all through your pregnancy, you are insuring the best possible beginning for your little one.