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WIC (Women, Infant and Children) and Nutrition Services
Pre-Natal Smoking Cessation
No Smoking Allowed!
How does smoking affect the pregnancy?
Nicotine constricts (shrinks) the blood vessels in your uterus, thus decreasing blood flow. This raises blood pressure, which may cause your baby to be unable to breathe properly. Carbon monoxide and nicotine from the tobacco smoke attach to hemoglobin, the part of the red blood cell that carries oxygen through the body. The carbon monoxide and nicotine "tag a longs" mean less oxygen is available to your baby. This oxygen shortage can interrupt cell growth and mental development.
What are the effects in pregnancy?
Women who smoke during pregnancy are at higher risk for:
- Premature labor
- Miscarriage
- Placenta Previa
- Bleeding Problems
Babies of women who smoke during pregnancy are at higher risk for:
- Stillbirth
- Low birth-weight
- Cleft lip/palate
- Lower IQ
- ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
- SIDS
What about second hand smoke?
Second hand smoke exposure during pregnancy may increase the risk for miscarriage and low birth-weight. Women exposed to second hand smoke are also more likely to smoke, giving their unborn baby "double exposure".
Infants and young children have lung tissue that is extremely sensitive to second hand smoke. Smoking around young children increases their risk of:
- Ear infections
- Respiratory illnesses
- Coldss
- Asthma
- Learning disabilities
The Good News is . . .
You CAN quit!
Here are a few resources to help you become and stay smoke-free:
Great Start (toll-free help line) at 1-866-667-8278
Missouri Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUITNOW
Take the No Smoking! Pre-Natal Smoking Cessation Post Test here!
Return to Monthly Test page
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