Quitting Smoking During Pregnancy: Risks & Benefits

Ideally, women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should quit smoking as soon as they know they are pregnant. There is no safe time to smoke during pregnancy, and any exposure to tobacco smoke can harm the fetus.

Smoking during pregnancy can lead to a number of serious problems, including:

* Increased risk of miscarriage

* Placental abruption

* Premature birth

* Low birth weight

* Birth defects

* Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

In addition, smoking during pregnancy can damage the DNA of the fetus, which can lead to health problems later in life, such as cancer and heart disease.

If you're pregnant and smoking, talk to your doctor or midwife about ways to quit. There are a number of resources available to help you quit, such as counseling, medication, and support groups. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health and the health of your baby.