There has been enough research to safely conclude that smoking while pregnant affects the developing fetus, but in what ways exactly, and to what extent are the questions we have to ask. The most commonly reported side effect of smoking while pregnant is a low birth weight baby. “Infants born to smokers were more than twice as likely to have low birth weight as were infants born to nonsmokers” (Effects). Prenatal smoking is thought to account for an estimated 20 to 30% of cases of low birth weight (primary), and some may wonder what actually classifies as low birth weight, why it’s dangerous, and how exactly smoking affects this outcome.
An infant is classified as having low birth weight if the baby weighs less than 2500g (5 ½ pounds). Most infants weigh around 3400g which is an average of 7 pounds. Why is having a small baby so dangerous anyways? Babies born with lower-than-average birth weight are more likely to get infections and have other health problems (Primary). Also, infants weighing less than 2500g are at a greater risk of death within the first month of life, as well as increased risk for developmental disabilities and illness throughout their life.
What exactly do we know about the way cigarettes affect a baby’s size and birth weight? Nicotine and carbon monoxide appear to have the most significant effects on a developing fetus. When nicotine is inhaled, the arteries inside the placenta constrict and tighten up, reducing the normal blood flow to the fetus. Carbon Monoxide effects the development of a fetus by reducing the adequate delivery of oxygen to fetal tissues (Pergament).
Decreasing the number of cigarettes smoked per day can lessen the risks of smoking, but it is important to encourage women to quit smoking all together in order to completely eliminate the adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight (Pergament).
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3 comments:
I first wanted to say I really like the "Up in Smoke" title. It is very catchy. I have known that smoking while pregnat is bad, but I never actually knew the things it could do to the baby directly. It is interesting to now know a little and I'm intrested in reading more of your posts as you continue to write.
This really has nothing to do with your blog though its very well written...can you comment me back becasue your email won't go through. so i can not send you the paper.
Dani,
This was very informative! I have always wondered about these sorts of things, like what actually caused the side affects biologically speaking (I’m a Bio. major). My family has witnessed first hand the effects of smoking on a baby and I must say if it can be prevented we should be prepared to do anything to prevent it. I am working on autism research so I think our mentality is similar and I enjoy reading your posts. Keep up the great work.
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