Archive for the ‘complications’ tag
Smoking and Baby Happiness
New research from Britain shows that women who quit smoking when they become pregnant have happier, less fussy babies when compared to women who smoked during pregnancy and even women who have never smoked. This is a surprising discovery, and scientists are certain that it’s not just a coincidence. The babies of women who smoke heaviest during pregnancy proved to be the fussiest, while the babies of women who have never smoked made up the middle ground. The researchers suspect that this is because mothers who quit smoking to do what’s best for their baby have certain easy-going characteristics themselves and their babies have inherited these genes. Other studies show that women who quit smoking when they become pregnant also lead happier lives and have healthier relationships. Researchers believe these women possess certain traits that enable them to quit smoking for their babies and that it’s these traits that are the root cause of the babies’ happier temperament.
Smoking during pregnancy can cause many complications. Sometimes a mother who smokes will give birth to a healthy baby, but when you look at the possible risks, this isn’t a good incentive to smoke during pregnancy. Smoking inhibits the growth of the fetus because it will receive less oxygen and fewer nutrients, which can also cause brain damage, and smokers have a higher rate of miscarriage and premature birth. Many premature babies’ lungs are underdeveloped and they will suffer from life-threatening breathing difficulties. A smoker’s unborn child will be exposed to all of the carcinogens, carbon monoxide, nicotine and tobacco that the mother inhales, and these things deprive the baby of food and oxygen. These carcinogens are also present in the mother’s breast milk, so if a mother begins smoking again after she gives birth, her baby will still be in danger. Smoking increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, which is often related to respiratory troubles. Second-hand smoke is also dangerous to an unborn child, so if a woman’s partner smokes while the woman is pregnant, he poses a threat to the child. Many women find it easier to quit when they are or will become pregnant because they have an added reason – their child – to do so. There are simply too many risks involved with smoking during pregnancy. If you choose to become pregnant you have taken on the responsibility of doing what is best for your baby, and that means kicking the bad habit.
