. Heart problems are also seen in premature infants.

Research has also shown that premature babies are more likely to have social problems as they get older, and these can last throughout their lives. They may also experience problems with mental and behavioural development and are at greater risk of SIDS or sudden infant death syndro

Most women are delighted to discover that they are pregnant, but one of the results of pregnancy is not so welcome – the extra weight which doesn’t always disappear immediately after the birth of your baby. So with all the known links between stopping smoking and gaining weight, it’s not surprising that some women are reluctant to give up cigarettes when expecting a child. And of course, quitting smoking requires change. With all the other changes going during pregnancy, both physical and psychological, giving up smoking may seem like one change too many.

However, if you are pregnant, or planning to have a baby in the future, it is important to gain an understanding of the long-term effects of smoking on both your baby and yourself. This should make you at least consider quitting, as you are putting your baby’s life at risk, both before and after birth.

If you smoke, you are more at risk of both ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.

If you smoke during pregnancy, your baby is deprived of oxygen and nutrients which can lead to deformities. Also, babies of smokers are more likely to be smaller and also to arrive too early. Premature babies may have underdeveloped organs which cause problems. If their lungs are not fully developed, they can experience breathing problems and if their livers are not mature, they may suffer from jaundice. Heart problems are also seen in premature infants.

Research has also shown that premature babies are more likely to have social problems as they get older, and these can last throughout their lives. They may also experience problems with mental and behavioural development and are at greater risk of SIDS or sudden infant death syndrom

igarettes when expecting a child. And of course, quitting smoking requires change. With all the other changes going during pregnancy, both physical and psychological, giving up smoking may seem like one change too many.

However, if you are pregnant, or planning to have a baby in the future, it is important to gain an understanding of the long-term effects of smoking on both your baby and yourself. This should make you at least consider quitting, as you are putting your baby’s life at risk, both before and after birth.

If you smoke, you are more at risk of both ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.

If you smoke during pregnancy, your baby is deprived of oxygen and nutrients which can lead to deformities. Also, babies of smokers are more likely to be smaller and also to arrive too early. Premature babies may have underdeveloped organs which cause problems. If their lungs are not fully developed, they can experience breathing problems and if their livers are not mature, they may suffer from jaundice. Heart problems are also seen in premature infants.

Research has also shown that premature babies are more likely to have social problems as they get older, and these can last throughout their lives. They may also experience problems with mental and behavioural development and are at greater risk of SIDS or sudden infant death syndro

the long-term effects of smoking on both your baby and yourself. This should make you at least consider quitting, as you are putting your baby’s life at risk, both before and after birth.

If you smoke, you are more at risk of both ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.

If you smoke during pregnancy, your baby is deprived of oxygen and nutrients which can lead to deformities. Also, babies of smokers are more likely to be smaller and also to arrive too early. Premature babies may have underdeveloped organs which cause problems. If their lungs are not fully developed, they can experience breathing problems and if their livers are not mature, they may suffer from jaundice. Heart problems are also seen in premature infants.

Research has also shown that premature babies are more likely to have social problems as they get older, and these can last throughout their lives. They may also experience problems with mental and behavioural development and are at greater risk of SIDS or sudden infant death syndro

nd nutrients which can lead to deformities. Also, babies of smokers are more likely to be smaller and also to arrive too early. Premature babies may have underdeveloped organs which cause problems. If their lungs are not fully developed, they can experience breathing problems and if their livers are not mature, they may suffer from jaundice. Heart problems are also seen in premature infants.

Research has also shown that premature babies are more likely to have social problems as they get older, and these can last throughout their lives. They may also experience problems with mental and behavioural development and are at greater risk of SIDS or sudden infant death syndro

. Heart problems are also seen in premature infants.

Research has also shown that premature babies are more likely to have social problems as they get older, and these can last throughout their lives. They may also experience problems with mental and behavioural development and are at greater risk of SIDS or sudden infant death syndrome, often known as cot death.

Given the dangers of smoking in pregnancy, you should seriously consider giving up. If you find this difficult, speak to your doctor or join a stop smoking group in your area.

© Waller Jamison 2007