Pregnancy and smoking: what are the risks?

Smoking and inhaling cigarette smoke during pregnancy poses significant risks to the health of the foetus. What complications are caused by smoking during pregnancy? Is it possible to stop smoking, even if I'm pregnant?

Smoking during pregnancy: what are the risks for the foetus?

These days, it's hard not to know that smoking is bad for your health. But what about the risks to your future baby's health? Did you know, for example , that the main harmful components of tobacco cross the placental barrier and can easily reach the foetus ? Tobacco contains a great many toxic substances (heavy metals, irritants…) with carcinogenic and mutagenic properties that are dangerous for the foetus and likely to cause serious complications. What's more, inhaled cigarette smoke contains carbon monoxide. This binds to red blood cells in place of oxygen and creates a chronic oxygen deficiency. This deficiency is twice as great in the foetus as in the pregnant woman. These risks exist whether you smoke 1 or 20 cigarettes a day. To avoid them, it's very important not to smoke during pregnancy. If you carry on smoking, you expose your baby to many dangers:

Miscarriage.
Premature rupture of the membranes and premature birth.
Placenta praevia (low-lying placenta) or placental abruption.
Growth restriction in the womb, with a lower average birth weight for the baby (babies born to smokers weigh 200 grams less than babies born to non-smokers).
More complications during delivery for baby and for mum: heavy bleeding during labour.
Malformations in the baby.
Risk of the child developing respiratory diseases and catching ear, nose and throat infections.
Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome multiplied by 3.
Stillbirth.

How are smoking-related complications diagnosed?

Smoking during pregnancy is harmful to the baby and also to the pregnant woman. Complications during pregnancy can therefore arise if you smoke during pregnancy or if you smoked at some point during your pregnancy. It's important to see a doctor as soon as possible if the following symptoms appear:

Heavy bleeding.
Severe abdominal pain.
Severe headaches.
Dizziness.
No foetal movements for 24 hours.

In this case, see a healthcare professional. They will suggest certain tests if they are needed. Ultrasound is the main test for diagnosing smoking-related complications during pregnancy. It can, for example, detect growth restriction in the womb or the absence of a heartbeat in the event of a stillbirth. An examination of the vagina and cervix may also be carried out to diagnose this type of complication.

Stopping smoking during pregnancy: is it possible?

Unfortunately, cigarettes that become part of our daily lives create dependency. Even though tobacco causes fertility problems, a woman who smokes can still get pregnant. What can you do if you smoke every day and you're pregnant? Stopping overnight takes a lot of willpower. That said, some people prefer to stop all at once, while others cut down on their cigarettes little by little. The most important thing is to manage to stop. Set yourself an achievable goal and ask your loved ones not to smoke in front of you. Talk to your doctor, gynaecologist or midwife. But be careful, withdrawal symptoms can be devastating: anxiety, depression… So don't make decisions you won't be able to stick to. Don't hesitate to get support from specialists with a smoking cessation consultation or by anonymously calling Tabac Info Service on 39 89 if you live in France (similar services exist abroad). These specialists will not judge you and will offer you suitable support. Remember, it is never too late to stop smoking.

And what about passive smoking?

Passive smoking means involuntarily inhaling smoke from cigarettes. Second-hand smoke is just as harmful as smoking directly, because the same toxic substances are carried by the smoke. What's more, passive smoking is extremely common. You're exposed to it when someone close to you smokes, but also in public places: the street, café terraces, parks… So even pregnant women who don't smoke are exposed to the risks of tobacco. That's why it's crucial for you and for the foetus not to inhale this toxic smoke. You can, for example, ask friends and family who smoke not to smoke around you. Be extra vigilant if you live with a smoker: smoke from a cigarette smoked inside your home lingers in the air, even after the cigarette has been put out. So it's important to explain to your partner that they need to smoke outside, so that no smoke gets inside.

Whatever stage of pregnancy you are at, giving up smoking and staying very vigilant about passive smoking take real effort. Remember that all of this effort can only benefit your health and your baby's.

Dylan
Proud dad of three little ones and founder of Premiers Moments. Together with the whole team, I share our parenting tips here to support you, from pregnancy through your child's first years.