5 Risks of Smoking During Pregnancy

Thu Oct 20, 2022

Is smoking during pregnancy safe? Well a lot of studies have been done on the subject and those studies have shown that smoking is associated with many health problems, including premature birth, low birthweight, and increased risk of miscarriage.
However, the health effects of smoking during pregnancy are still not clear. Some studies suggest that smoking during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage, while other studies do not find a significant association. It is currently unclear if there is a safe level of smoking during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and smoke, it is important to talk to your doctor about your options for quitting smoking. Till then here are some of the risks which can take place if you do smoke during pregnancy.

1) Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Ectopic Pregnancy

Smoking during pregnancy can be associated with a higher chance of miscarriage, stillbirth, and the possibility of ectopic pregnancy.One study revealed that women who smoke during pregnancy were four times more likely to have a stillbirth than those who did not smoke pregnancies.Research indicates that the chance of stillbirth increases when you are exposed to second-hand smoke while pregnant.

2) Placental Abruption

When the placenta separates from the uterus in a hurry (or prematurely) then placental abruption takes place. As it can lead to preterm birth or stillbirth and can also lead to premature infant death. Smokers in pregnancy have a greater chance of being affected by this disease than their non-smokers counterparts.


3) Low Birth Weight

Scientists have identified a cause-and effect connection between exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy and the low birth mass. Low birth weight is among the main causes of infant mortality around the whole world and has been increasing in India.

4) Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

If you smoke during your pregnancy. Then your baby could be more at risk of suffering from the sudden death of an infant (SIDS). As infants who reside in homes that are contaminated with smoking cigarettes in the third and fourth degree also have a higher chance of developing SIDS.

5) Respiratory Problems

When a baby is exposed to smoke from cigarettes in the womb, their lungs can be affected. The lungs may experience permanent changes in structure, and their function could be affected. This means that the risk of developing respiratory illnesses and asthma rise.

These are some of the reasons as to what can happen to the baby if you smoke during pregnancy. So if you used to smoke or just stopped after getting pregnant and are in doubt related to a baby. Then you can always get in touch with a doctor. Such as Dr. Ashutosh Bhardwaj who can help you with everything.


Ashutosh Bhardwaj, MBBS, DCH, PGDUS, PGPN
He is a Pediatrician and Neonatologist with passion of teaching on pregnancy diet and nutrition, scientific womb talk trainer, and baby brain development trainer.