Smoking during pregnancy doubles chance of stillbirth
We all know smoking during pregnancy can do a great deal of damage to both the expectant mum and baby. Here, ASH Wales Cymru details precisely how harmful it can be and why quitting could be a lifesaver
An estimated 11,864 unborn babies are exposed to harm from tobacco each year in Wales. And worryingly, as many as 16% of women continue to smoke throughout their pregnancy – the highest of all the UK nations.
Midwives across Wales are raising awareness of the dangers of smoking and providing access to support to help pregnant mums-to-be quit. The short-term impact on baby of smoke fumes during pregnancy:
■ Low birth weight : Average 250g lighter
■ Stillbirth: Double the likelihood
■ Miscarriage: Up to 32% more likely
■ Preterm birth: 27% more likely
■ Heart defects: 50% more likely
■ Sudden infant death – three times more likely
The long-term impact on child of smoke fumes during pregnancy:
■ Learning difficulties, such as autism
■ Hyperactivity
■ Ear, nose and throat problems
■ Obesity
■ Diabetes
■ Ectopic pregnancy
Suzanne Cass, chief executive officer of ASH Wales, said: “Smoking is a highly-addictive habit which can be a difficult to break.
“Never is this more apparent than in the number of women we see still smoking throughout their pregnancy.
“Being addicted to smoking and pregnant is not a position any wouldbe parent would want to put themselves in.
“We need to work hard to explore every option to help these women quit this deadly addiction.
“Helping the pregnant women and their family find the right support is a crucial step along that quit smoking journey.” children in Wales live in a house where at least one parent smokes daily or occasionally.
Children are more sensitive to second-hand smoke because their bodies are still developing. They breathe faster than adults, which means they take in more of the harmful chemicals. It is never too late to quit. Smoking is most harmful in the last five months of pregnancy, and as soon as the pregnant woman and people around her quit, the baby will benefit immediately because they will have their normal oxygen supply back.
Many smokers feel that cigarettes relieve stress, but quitting smoking actually improves mental health.
Numerous studies have found giving up smoking is associated with reduced depression, anxiety and stress as well as improved positive mood and quality of life compared with continuing to smoke.
The benefits of giving up smoking are immediate as the carbon monoxide, and other damaging chemicals, clear from the body within hours.
The physical addiction of tobacco will be gone within a week, and within a couple of months ex-smokers will notice considerable differences when walking, running and climbing the stairs.
If you are expecting a baby, the best people to speak to for support are your midwife, health visitor, GP or local pharmacy who are all equipped with knowledge to help and can offer great support, plus advice about nicotine replacement therapy.
Help Me Quit from NHS Wales offers a choice of free stop smoking support in locations across Wales.
■ For more information search Help Me Quit or call 0800 085 2219 or text HMQ to 80818.