Smoking and Pregnancy

OK, we're not going to mince words here. Smoking while you're pregnant is bad news! Cigarettes are loaded with over 400 chemicals, including nicotine and carbon monoxide. These two chemicals are big trouble for growing babies (and for YOU too!). They reduce the flow of oxygen to the baby in your belly and can cause serious complications such as stillbirth, low birth weight and prematurity. Babies of mamas who smoked while they were preggers also have higher rates of asthma, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, lower IQs and double the risk of dying from SIDS. Even just one or two ciggies a day can cause serious problems.

Of course quitting smoking can be easier said than done! But it's worth it! Ideally, you should quit before you TTC. Smoking reduces your chances of getting preggers by 40 percent each cycle. If you quit in your first trimester, your chances of delivering a healthy baby skyrocket. Of course, it's always better late than never! If you're having a hard time stopping, talk to your OB. She'll be able to help you through the process. Good luck!!