Q&A: Is the occasional cigarette really harmful during pregnancy?

by Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo

Is smoking a cigarette once in a while okay while you're pregnant?

It is my opinion that smoking is just as dangerous in pregnancy as using cocaine. Keep in mind that there are over 2,500 chemicals in inhaled cigarette smoke! Even if you know friends who have smoked seemingly complication-free in pregnancy, there are possibly as yet undiscovered problems, like their children not reaching their full intellectual potential, asthma, increased risk for SIDS, and many other concerns.

According to the March of Dimes there are several risks to both you and your developing baby's health if you smoke while pregnant. Here are just a few:

There are women out there who, even knowing of some of these risks, still choose to smoke. The March of Dimes points out, "at least 10 percent of women in the United States smoke during pregnancy." You don't want to be among them. Yet kicking the habit can be difficult. Talk to your health care provider about medications that he or she might recommend as safe during pregnancy that may help you quit. Your baby will thank you!
Sign Up for Our Newsletters
Follow Us
from beyond babyzone:
Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, profile photo and other personal information you make public on Facebook (e.g., school, work, current city, age) will appear with your comment. Comments, together with personal information accompanying them, may be used on BabyZone.com and other Disney media platforms. Learn More.
All the pregnancy info you need—from the first trimester to the last.
watch more videos
BabyZone Community
Look Who's Talking New
in BabyZone Community
From beyond babyzone
X

more in BabyZone

10 Excitingly Exotic Baby Names
10 Excitingly Exotic Baby Names
read more >
fetal development week 22

Enter your due date Don't know?
Privacy Policy
don't show this again

Your Pregnancy Newsletter X

fetal development week 22

Enter your due date Don't know?
Privacy Policy