Smoking cigarettes causes many health problems, including cancers, heart disease, and lung disease. When a pregnant woman smokes, she puts herself and her baby at risk. Because the fetus, a developing infant in the mother's uterus (womb), is in contact with the mother's bloodstream, any chemicals the mother breathes or ingests can affect the fetus. This includes tobacco smoke coming from the mother's smoking or inhaling smoke in the environment (also known as second-hand smoke). The March 9, 2005, issue of JAMA includes an article about the harm that smoking during pregnancy can cause.
Grahic Jump Location
Low birth weight
Intrauterine (inside the uterus) growth delay
Preterm labor
Premature rupture of membranes (water bag), which may lead to preterm delivery or an infection affecting the baby
Increased rates of stillbirths, miscarriages, and ectopic (outside the uterus) pregnancy
Complications during delivery
Do not smoke. If you do smoke, quit before planning a pregnancy.
Take a folic acid supplement to prevent neural tube birth defects of the fetus.
Do not use illegal drugs.
Do not drink alcohol during pregnancy.
Control chronic medical problems, like diabetes and high blood pressure. Poor control of these conditions can adversely affect the fetus.
The best way to quit smoking is to stop smoking completely—not even a puff. Get rid of your cigarettes, ashtrays, lighters, or any other smoking-related items. Keep your hands busy with activities other than smoking. Take walks, remain active, and drink plenty of water. Ask your doctor for help. Resources are available for persons who wish to stop smoking.
American Lung Association 800/LUNGUSAhttp://www.lungusa.org
March of Dimes http://www.modimes.org
National Women's Health Information Center 800/994-WOMAN http://www.4woman.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office on Smoking and Health 800/232-1311 http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco
To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page Index on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. Many are available in English and Spanish. A Patient Page on quitting smoking was published in the July 24/31, 2002, issue.
Sources: American Lung Association; March of Dimes; National Women's Health Information Center; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. Any other print or online reproduction is subject to AMA approval. To purchase bulk reprints, call 718/946-7424.
TOPIC: WOMEN'S HEALTH
Country-Specific Mortality and Growth Failure in Infancy and Yound Children and Association With Material Stature
Use interactive graphics and maps to view and sort country-specific infant and early dhildhood mortality and growth failure data and their association with maternal
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The Rational Clinical Examination The best background information for diagnosing airflow limitation is exposure to cigarette smoke....
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