Smoking during pregnancy

research shows that over 50% of babies born to smokers are at risk of miscarrage, still birth, cot death, premature birth, low birth weight, growth development, low immunity levels (more likely to pick up childhood illnesses, Asthma, and eczma) new research shows that 80% of babies of smokers are more likely to suffer behavioral problems.  A baby exposed to smoking before being born is more likely to be unsettled as a baby poor sleeping patterns and show aggressive behavior into childhood.

Smoking could cause other mental health issues for the baby increasing the chances of having ADHD. It was seen that smoking causes biochemical variations in the dopamine pathway – a neurotransmitter that plays a role in memory, problem solving, and attention, thereby upping ADHD risk.

 Dads that smoke also have a share of responsibility apart from being responsible for poorer sperm count and difficulties in helping conceive, second hand smoke from the father could cause problems too – low birth weight, and increased risk of complications stated above.

GET HELP ! there are plenty of support to help you stop smoking with trained pregnancy councellors who will prescribe you nicotine replacements that are safe in pregnancy and offer lots of support. See your Midwife or call your local NHS stop smoking services and they will arrange an appointment “GOOD LUCK”