The Effects Of Smoking On Pre - And Post Pregnancy

One in every three adults in South Africa smokes. Nearly 52% of the country’s male and 17% of our female population inhale between 10 and 20 cigarettes daily and according to the Medical Research Council (MRC) one in every ten deaths nationally is related to tobacco use. In a society where smoking has been banned from public places because of its harm to others, it is almost hard to believe that there are between these smoking statistics expectant mothers and fathers.

Although you might know of several friends who became pregnant while she or her partner smoked, it doesn’t change the fact that it reduces your chances dramatically. If you or your partner smokes, fertility levels are immediately lower. Nicotine affects a women’s hormone production and also obstructs the normal transportation of the egg through the fallopian tubes towards the womb. Sperm count in men who smoke are 15% less than non-smokers and smoking can also affect their sperm’s shape and mobility. Cigarettes can also cause erectile problems due to the influence nicotine has on blood vessels within the penis.

When you smoke, some of the oxygen in your blood is replaced with carbon monoxide. A mother who smokes while being pregnant deprives her baby of nutrients and oxygen vital for growth. A mother shouldn’t forget that her unborn baby is totally dependent on her for everything.

A smoking mother enhances the risk of her baby being born prematurely and underweight. The baby’s organs can be smaller than normal, lung capacity poor and the chances of a cot death doubled. Children born to smoking mothers are more often ill, catch painful diseases and are more likely to become smokers themselves later on.

If a mother quits smoking before she is halfway through pregnancy, some of the damage can be reversed because her body will start to recuperate and provide the baby with the necessary oxygen and nutrients. However, smoking mothers shouldn’t see this as a “get out of jail for free card”. A baby’s life and health isn’t a gamble or game. Although there are many lucky cases where a child is born perfectly, you might not be as lucky!

Stop smoking today! Here are seven tips to help you:

1. Make a list: Draw up a document with 10 reasons why you want to quit and what the benefits of stopping will be. You could even let a loved one who is backing your process write something motivational on the piece of paper as well. Keep this list close to you and whenever you feel the urge to smoke, read it again, and again, and again. And then, eat a sugar-free sweet or fruit instead.

2. Set a date: Schedule a date when you want to stop smoking. Quitting cold turkey has been proven to provide better results than limiting yourself to fewer and fewer cigarettes everyday. Ultimately the decision lies with you but if this is not the first time you’ve tried stopping, chances are that previous times failed because you only tried smoking less.

3. Make a noise: Tell everyone about your mission. Get your friends, family and close work colleagues involved to motivate you and keep you on track.

4. Spring-clean: Throw away everything that you associate with your smoking life. Dispose of all the cigarettes and empty packets, ashtrays and lighters you have in your house, car and office. If you had a particular spot you used to smoke in, move the house or garden furniture around and if you use to smoke in your car, take your vehicle for a valet.

5. Prepare: You know the cravings will come. Prepare for them. Carry sugar-free gum, sweets or fruit with you at all times. Keep painkillers handy if you should experience any headaches during the first two weeks and most importantly ¬– know your weaknesses. Giving up smoking is the hardest over weekends, while you’re having a drink with friends or after a lovely meal. Plan ahead. Sit next to the non-smokers and remember why you are doing this in the first place.

6. Medical help: There are plenty of medical products on the market to help you kick the habit. Consult your doctor about assistance if you are already pregnant.

7. Take it one day at a time and stay positive.