Overview of Smoking and Population
Overview of Smoking and Population
Last activity on February 22, 2025
Smoking in Pregnancy
8.8 percent of pregnant women in England smoked at the time of delivery. This has
negative impacts on both the mother’s health and the unborn baby’s health:
- CO is absorbed into the mother’s bloodstream, reducing oxygen levels. This also restricts the oxygen being transported to the baby, essential for healthy growth and development.
- The baby is deprived of oxygen for 20 minutes after each cigarette.
- The restricted oxygen supply means baby’s tiny heart has to beat harder.
- Increased risk of miscarriage: a weakened placenta does not stick to the inside of the womb as well as it should.
- Still-birth is more common.
- Lower birth weight.
- More likely to be born premature.
- Possible damage to the baby’s airways before it is born. This may lead to developing smaller airways, making them more vulnerable to breathing problems such as asthma. Research has shown airflow through the breathing tubes is on average 20% lower in babies born to mothers who smoke.
- Increased risk of your baby being born with an abnormality.
As soon as someone stop smoking during pregnancy their health and the health of the baby
improves:
- Reduced risk of complications during pregnancy and giving birth.
- A healthier pregnancy and healthier baby.
This lesson is a preview