Introduction
Secondhand smoke is the smoke that comes from burning cigarettes, pipes, or cigars. Secondhand smoke also comes from air exhaled by people who are smoking. Smoking also leaves dangerous chemicals on walls, carpets, furniture, and clothing and inside cars (thirdhand smoke).
Even if you do not smoke, secondhand or thirdhand smoke can affect you and your baby before and after birth.
What actions can be taken?
Do not smoke. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider for help.
Do not let anyone smoke in your house or car.
Do not work with babysitters or caregivers who smoke. They may bring secondhand and thirdhand smoke near your baby.
Avoid places where people smoke. If you are exposed to secondhand or thirdhand smoke …show more content…
Why are these changes important?
Secondhand smoke contains many chemicals that are known to cause cancer. Cigarettes also contain a stimulant drug (nicotine) that can affect your baby’s development. When you breathe in smoke, the harmful substances that you inhale can pass to your baby through the placenta or through breast milk, and cause serious or life-threatening health problems that affect you and your baby.
What can happen if changes are not made?
Breathing in secondhand smoke during pregnancy:
Decreases blood flow and oxygen to your baby.
Increases your baby’s risk for birth defects, including heart defects.
Increases your baby's heart rate.
Slows your baby's growth in the uterus (intrauterine growth retardation).
Babies born to women who were exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy may:
Have unpleasant symptoms caused by stopping the nicotine exposure (withdrawal).
Need to stay in the hospital for special care.
Be born too small.
Develop ear or upper respiratory infections.
Have a high risk of:
Serious health problems, including lung and breathing problems.
Long-term (chronic) or lifelong disabilities such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and learning
Secondhand smoke is the smoke that comes from burning cigarettes, pipes, or cigars. Secondhand smoke also comes from air exhaled by people who are smoking. Smoking also leaves dangerous chemicals on walls, carpets, furniture, and clothing and inside cars (thirdhand smoke).
Even if you do not smoke, secondhand or thirdhand smoke can affect you and your baby before and after birth.
What actions can be taken?
Do not smoke. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider for help.
Do not let anyone smoke in your house or car.
Do not work with babysitters or caregivers who smoke. They may bring secondhand and thirdhand smoke near your baby.
Avoid places where people smoke. If you are exposed to secondhand or thirdhand smoke …show more content…
Why are these changes important?
Secondhand smoke contains many chemicals that are known to cause cancer. Cigarettes also contain a stimulant drug (nicotine) that can affect your baby’s development. When you breathe in smoke, the harmful substances that you inhale can pass to your baby through the placenta or through breast milk, and cause serious or life-threatening health problems that affect you and your baby.
What can happen if changes are not made?
Breathing in secondhand smoke during pregnancy:
Decreases blood flow and oxygen to your baby.
Increases your baby’s risk for birth defects, including heart defects.
Increases your baby's heart rate.
Slows your baby's growth in the uterus (intrauterine growth retardation).
Babies born to women who were exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy may:
Have unpleasant symptoms caused by stopping the nicotine exposure (withdrawal).
Need to stay in the hospital for special care.
Be born too small.
Develop ear or upper respiratory infections.
Have a high risk of:
Serious health problems, including lung and breathing problems.
Long-term (chronic) or lifelong disabilities such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and learning