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 Pregnancy
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Pregnancy
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Smoking
By any measure, a smoke-free lifestyle is a
healthier lifestyle, and women who are continuing to smoke during
pregnancy shouldn't give up their efforts to give up cigarettes.
And, while scare tactics rarely help adults stop smoking, doctors
say the facts are inescapable: if you're smoking, you're baby is
smoking, too.
Cigarette smoking has been linked to miscarriage, bleeding and
nausea among pregnant women. Their babies often suffer as well:
reduced birth weight, premature birth, stillbirth, and chest
infections and asthma that can last a lifetime. In addition,
researchers say babies born to smoking mothers are more vulnerable
to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
A common misconception is that if you're a smoker who's already
pregnant, the damage is done. Not so, say doctors. Smoking is
harmful throughout your pregnancy; you and your baby will begin
reaping the benefits of a smoke-free lifestyle the minute you stop
smoking. By stopping now, you'll reduce your chances for morning
sickness, have fewer complications during your pregnancy and give
birth to a healthier, more content baby.
Though the benefits of smoking cessation
do not negate the fact that kicking the habit can be extremely
difficult, statistics show that more women stop smoking during
pregnancy than at any other time in their lives. Your doctor can
help you determine the smoking cessation method best suited to your
smoking habits, including treatment and social support to help
improve your chances of success.
A few tips to help women stop smoking during pregnancy:- Persevere. Even if you've stopped smoking and
begun again, it's not too late to try again. Every time you stop
smoking, you improve your chances of becoming a long-term
non-smoker.
- Get support from family and friends. All have
an interest in your health and the health of your baby.
- Count the rewards. Remind yourself, one hour
at a time, of all you gain by not smoking, including
self-confidence and improved health for you and your
baby.
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