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Pregnancy and Smoking and First Trimester Dangers
Did you know that if women quit smoking when they were pregnant that
infant deaths could be reduced by up to 10 percent? Pregnancy and
smoking and first trimester are not words that go together. The good
news is that no can report that a woman who has smoked prior to her
pregnancy is putting her baby at risk. However, smoking during
pregnancy is very hazardous to an unborn baby. Pregnancy and smoking
and first trimester have been linked to 100,000+ miscarriages and
5,500+ infant deaths per year. Smoking also puts an expectant mother
at risk for complications such as vaginal bleeding, premature
rupture of the membranes, early delivery and more. Evidence is
showing that a pregnant mother who smokes may have a baby who has a
low birth weight. Low birth weight and being born too small is a
major cause of infant illness and prenatal death. If you are
pregnant and a smoker you should know that the best time to quit is
during the first trimester. Pregnancy and smoking and first
trimester are not words that go together. Here are some tips that
will help you get started on breaking the smoking habit. Find out
what motivates you to smoke. Is it the stimulation? Maybe you do it
to relax? Do you use smoking as a way to relieve tension and stress?
Maybe you smoke simply out of habit? Are you even aware of when you
light up a cigarette or do you find yourself smoking out of habit?
If you are able to find out what motivates you to smoke you can find
a substitute to replace the smoking. Find something that will
motivate you to quit smoking. This is very easy for a pregnant
woman. Your motivation is to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy
baby. Find a method that will help you to quit smoking. Talk with
your OB/GYN and find a way that you can quit together. Many
expectant mothers chose to quit smoking cold turkey. Others wean
themselves off of cigarettes during the first trimester simply
because smoking makes them feel ill. If you like smoking because it
keeps your hands busy, try to do something else with your hands. You
can suck on a lollipop, play with a pencil, knit, play a musical
instrument, paint your fingernails and more. If you smoke for the
oral gratification, find something to replace it. This can include
chewing on gum, veggies, popcorn, or simply placing a toothpick in
your mouth. If you smoke because it stimulates you, why not walk
instead? Walking can give you an energy boost and help clear your
head when you are feeling tired. If you simply smoke because it is a
habit, try to develop a new habit to take its place. Every time you
feel like smoking you can go brush your teeth or go to a certain
area in your home to relax and listen to music. If you smoke in
certain situations or when you eat or drink certain foods, avoid
those situations, foods and drinks for a while. Pregnancy and
smoking and first trimester are simply words that do not fit
together. Not only do they sound strange on paper, but they are
dangerous words to put together in life. Remember, if you can get
past the first few days of withdrawal they will be worth it. Not
only will your baby be healthier, but you will be healthier.
Alcohol
And Pregnancy
If you have been
drinking up until the point when you become pregnant or smoking
it is also vital that you stop doing so immediately. Many women
worry that they consumed a few alcoholic drinks prior to learning
they were pregnant. If you are concerned you should talk with your
healthcare provider. Chances are that everything will be just fine
as long as you stop immediately. At this time there are no recommended
safe limits of alcohol to consume during pregnancy, thus it is best
that you avoid alcohol all together. Smoking is equally as harmful
for a mother during pregnancy. Smoking can also affect your unborn
fetus, potentially contributing to birth defects or respiratory
problems later in life. Did you know that when you smoke your baby
is receiving less oxygen than they normally would? This can cause
your baby to grow less rapidly than they might normally, and may
also contribute to preterm labor, which can be potentially life
threatening for your infant.
If
you are a smoker when you find out you are pregnant, be sure to
consult with your healthcare provider immediately about your condition.
Your healthcare provider can work with you to develop a plan for
quitting that is manageable and something you can learn to live
with during your pregnancy. There are also numerous support groups
available for mothers who are trying to quit during and even after
pregnancy. Remember that the sooner you quit smoking, the sooner
you start providing your unborn child with the best possible outcome
for a healthy and safe delivery and later life.
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