Why should I not smoke during pregnancy?

Smoking has a lot of detrimental effect not only to your baby but also yourself. The following is what smoking could do to you and your baby:

Increase chance of miscarriage.
Increase risk of preterm delivery due to preterm labour or placenta abruption.
Increase risk of growth restriction and lower birth weight.
Decreases the amount of nutrient and oxygen going to your baby.
Increase risk of sudden infant death / cot death.
Increase risk of your baby developing recurrent colds, chest infection, middle ear infection, learning difficulties and growth problems later on.
Difficulty in taking care of the baby after birth as she/ he tends to cry more perhaps due to nicotine withdrawal.
Increase risk of cancer for you.
Reduces your energy level during pregnancy.
Makes you look older that your age.
Reduces the amount of money that goes wasted on buying cigarettes which could have used instead to buy nice things for yourself and your baby.

How can I stop smoking?

Ask your doctor on how you could stop smoking. Be aware even nicotine patches could also effect your baby
Join a support group to stop smoking
Change your daily habits. For e.g if you normally smoke after your meals try reading magazines or newspaper or maybe going for a walk
Avoid places or social activities that is associated with smoking
Ask support from your partner, relative and friends
If your partner smokes too, make a pact to quit smoking together!