Smoking while pregnant: risks & effects on your baby

Smoking while pregnant exposes both you and your unborn child to a significantly increased risk of serious health problems. In Australia, approximately 9 percent of women smoked during pregnancy in 2019, according to studies. The risks associated with smoking during pregnancy include a higher likelihood of miscarriage, premature labor, and giving birth to a low birth weight baby. Babies with low birth weight are more susceptible to infections, breathing difficulties, and long-term health problems in adulthood.

Pregnancy Complications from Smoking

Smoking while pregnant can lead to various complications, including:

• Ectopic pregnancy: This occurs when the pregnancy implants outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube.
• Fetal death: The death of the baby in the uterus, also known as stillbirth.
• Spontaneous abortion: Commonly referred to as miscarriage.
• Problems with the placenta: These can include early detachment from the uterine wall or blocking the cervical opening (placenta praevia).
• Premature rupture of the membranes.
• Premature labor.

Effects of Smoking on Your Unborn Baby

When you smoke while pregnant, each cigarette reduces the oxygen supply to your unborn baby and exposes them to numerous toxic chemicals. The damaging effects of cigarette smoke on your baby include:

• Reduced oxygen supply and nutrients due to carbon monoxide and nicotine in tobacco smoke.
• Slower growth and development.
• Increased risk of birth defects, such as cleft lip and cleft palate.
• Weaker movements of the baby in the womb for at least an hour after smoking each cigarette.
• Impaired development and function of the placenta.
• Harm to the baby's brain and lungs.

Smoking and Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding has numerous benefits and helps protect your child from chest and ear infections, as well as gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses. It is highly recommended to stop smoking during breastfeeding. Smoking while breastfeeding can cause the following problems:

• Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarette smoke can pass from you to your baby through breast milk.
• Smoking can reduce your milk production and the quality of your breast milk.
• Smoking while breastfeeding increases your baby's risk of health problems, including colic and disrupted sleep patterns.
• Women who smoke are less likely to breastfeed and more likely to wean their children earlier than non-smoking mothers.

If you are finding it challenging to quit smoking while breastfeeding, try not to smoke before or during feeds. Breastfeed your baby first, then have your cigarette soon after to give your body the longest possible time to eliminate nicotine from your breast milk. It is also advisable to smoke outdoors and avoid smoking near your baby.

Long-Term Effects of Smoking During Pregnancy

Smoking during pregnancy can have lasting effects on your child's health, including:

• Weaker lungs.
• Higher risk of asthma.
• Low birth weight, which is linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure in adulthood.
• Up to three times the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI).
• Increased risk of being overweight and obese in childhood.
• Increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Stopping Smoking During Pregnancy

It is crucial to seek support from your maternity care team when trying to quit smoking during pregnancy. They can help you create a quitting plan and provide guidance throughout the process. Additionally, you can call the Quitline for free support during your pregnancy and even after to help you stay smoke-free. Quitline counselors are available to assist you, including Aboriginal Quitline counselors for specific cultural support.

Remember, it is never too late to quit smoking. Even stopping by the fourth month of pregnancy can reduce some risks, such as low birth weight and premature birth. Quitting at any time allows oxygen to reach your baby more easily and improves their health outcomes.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy during Pregnancy

If you are unable to quit smoking without medication, you may consider using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), such as gum, lozenges, mouth spray, inhalators, or 16-hour patches, to assist you. However, it is essential to consult with your doctor before using NRT during pregnancy to discuss the risks and benefits. The Quitline counselors can also provide guidance on the most suitable support for you.

Smoking while pregnant poses significant risks to both you and your baby's health. It is crucial to prioritize the well-being of your child by quitting smoking as early as possible in your pregnancy. Seek support from healthcare professionals and utilize resources such as the Quitline to increase your chances of successfully quitting. Remember, every effort you make to stop smoking benefits the health and future of your baby.

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