Smoking during pregnancy: a doom for the future of the child
Cigarette smoke contains toxic chemicals that can interfere with the development of vital organs of the fetus
Lighting a cigarette during pregnancy is a gesture that can have devastating consequences on the health of the unborn child. Numerous scientific studies, including the study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, have unequivocally demonstrated the link between maternal smoking and serious health problems in infants.
A cocktail toxic to the fetus
Cigarette smoke contains thousands of toxic chemicals, many of which pass through the placenta and reach the developing fetus. These substances interfere with the development of vital organs such as the heart, lungs and brain, causing irreparable damage.
The short-term consequences
The consequences of smoking at home are already apparent when the baby is born:
- Low birth weight: Children born to smoking mothers weigh on average less than those born to non-smokers. Low birth weight is associated with a higher risk of developing chronic diseases in adulthood, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease
- Premature birth: Smoking significantly increases the risk of preterm birth, with all the complications that come with it, such as respiratory difficulties and increased susceptibility to infections
- Congenital malformations: Some studies have shown an increased risk of congenital malformations in children born to smoking mothers, particularly at the level of the cleft lip and palate
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): Maternal smoking is considered a major risk factor for SIDS, a sudden and unexplained cause of death in infants.
The long-term consequences
The negative effects of maternal smoking are not limited to the neonatal period, but can persist throughout life. Epidemiological studies have shown that children exposed to smoking in utero are at increased risk of developing:
- Respiratory problems: Asthma, recurrent bronchitis and other chronic respiratory diseases
- Learning and behavioral problems: Learning difficulties, attention disorders and hyperactivity
- Cancers: Increased risk of developing certain types of cancer in adulthood
How to stop smoking during pregnancy
Quitting smoking is the best thing a pregnant woman can do for her baby’s health. There are many programs and therapies that can help women quit smoking, such as nicotine replacement therapy, medication and psychological support. It is important to consult your doctor or a specialist centre for personalised advice.