Cookie Consent by Free Privacy Policy Generator

Is smoking really that bad for my baby?

Unfortunately yes. The carbon monoxide (CO) that you inhale from your cigarettes/tobacco gets into your bloodstream and travels to your baby, limiting their supply of oxygen each time you smoke.

If you smoke during your pregnancy, you have a much higher risk of developing various complications during pregnancy, birth and beyond:

  • In pregnancy, there is a higher chance of miscarriage, slow growth and premature birth. The risk of low-birth weight is 82% higher than a non-smoker and the risk of still-birth may be increased by as much as 50%.
  • In infancy, there is a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS, or cot death), wheezing and colic.
  • In childhood, there is a higher chance that your child will develop asthma, behavioural problems (including ADHD), and some cancers.
  • It is also more likely that children born to smoking mothers will become smokers themselves.

If you continue to smoke, you’re putting your child’s health at risk.

These issues may sound worrying, but the good thing is that by stopping smoking you can reduce these risks to that of a non-smoker.

"I smoked with my previous pregnancies and I have really seen the difference it has made it this time. This is the heaviest baby I have had, he sleeps well, eats well and he’s perfect. Thank you for all your support." - previous service user

Let’s not forget about you! It is also better for your health if you stop smoking as soon as you can as this will reduce your chances of developing heart disease, stroke and various cancers. You are also less likely to develop a post-partum blood clot.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) is also a lot more common amongst smokers. This is the name for a range of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties which get worse over time. The likelihood of developing COPD increases the more you smoke and the longer you've smoked.

Call or text the team on 07917 227 004
Standard network charges will apply, if you prefer you can text us and we can call you back.