A Smoke May Hurt Your Baby

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The British Medical Association (BMA) Scotland has confirmed that while the number of women smoking in pregnancy has declined since the 1990s, a fifth of mothers-to-be continue their habit, despite growing evidence of the harm this can cause.

The organization is urging parents to mark World No Tobacco Day by giving up smoking for the sake of their family"s health.

The BMA warns pregnant women with the habit of smoking of the dangers which include an increased risk or premature birth, stillbirth and cot death.

Recently a research has been done and the results reveal that, with each cigarette a pregnant woman smokes, the blood flow through the placenta is reduced for about 15 minutes, causing the baby's heart rate to increase.

"Around one in five women smokes during pregnancy and, although this is an improvement on previous years, it reflects the lack of knowledge among Scots about the health risks of smoking, not only to themselves, but to the health of their children," says Dr Sally Winning, deputy chairman of BMA Scotland.

Risk Of Smoking During Pregnancy

1. Smoking During Pregnancy may lead to Ectopic Pregnancy. This is when the egg fertilizes somewhere else than the uterine lining. The egg implant generally in this case takes place in Fallopian tube. Ectopic Pregnancy has always led to still birth.

2.Statistics have shown that 1,15,000 miscarriages have been caused due to smoking during pregnancy.

3.Smoking may also cause Placenta abruption. In this state the Placenta detaches from the wall of the uterus denying oxygen to the baby.

4.Smoking may lead to Placenta Previa, which is when the Placenta covers the cervix. This leads to bleeding during pregnancy. It may put the mother and the child's life in danger. The baby in this condition is delivered even if is before the due date.

Smoking during is risk to the child but at the same time can can lead to serious health conditions for the mother. Quit smoking for the sake of the budding life.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.