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a) Getting pregnant-
If you currently use oral
contraceptives and smoke, you are at a greater risk for cardiovascular
diseases and high blood pressure. Female smokers have only 72 percent of
a nonsmoker’s fertility. Likewise, male smokers face a 50 percent higher
risk of becoming impotent. Research shows that smoking may decrease
ovulatory response and impair the fertilization and implantation of the
zygote.
It is also believed that tobacco chemicals may cause the
cervical fluid to become toxic to sperm, which greatly increases
difficulty in conceiving. It has also been argued that toxic chemicals
in cigarettes may cause gene mutations, which could result in birth
defects, cancer, miscarriages, and a myriad of other health problems for
children of smokers. These gene mutations would affect babies whose
fathers are smokers—not just the mothers.
b) During pregnancy and childbirth-
During pregnancy, tobacco
chemicals are passed from a mother who is a smoker to the fetus through
the bloodstream. These chemicals, toxic to both mother and child,
present serious risks. Studies have shown that smoking during pregnancy
is associated with numerous health problems, including low birth weight,
placenta previa, premature delivery, premature membrane rupture,
miscarriage, and neonatal death. If a newborn has a mother who smoked
during pregnancy, that child’s nicotine levels in the bloodstream will
be equal to that of the mother. In the first few days after birth, the
child of a smoking mother will suffer from withdrawal symptoms.
c)
After birth-
After the baby is born, the baby’s health continues
to be affected by a smoking mother or father. During its first year, a
baby with parents who smoke will experience higher risk of pneumonia and
bronchitis. Babies of smokers are also at increased risk of frequent,
severe asthma attacks.
Children exposed to secondhand smoke
(passive smoking) are more susceptible to its ill effects because of
their increased breathing rate. Secondhand smoke can cause children to
have more colds, respiratory problems, ear aches, and sicknesses
requiring a physician’s care. Asthma or allergies can be made more
severe when children are exposed to secondhand smoke. Eventually,
children of smokers are at a greater risk of becoming regular smokers
themselves.
d) How to quit-
Once you have made the
decision to quit smoking and ensure a healthier future for yourself and
your child, the benefits begin almost immediately. Twenty minutes after
your last cigarette, your blood pressure and pulse rate return to
normal. Within the first three days, carbon dioxide and nicotine is
eliminated from the system, your energy levels increase, and breathing
becomes easier. A year after quitting an ex-smoker’s circulation will be
improved, and lung functions increased. Ten years after quitting, the
risk of lung cancer is 50% that of a smoker and risk of a heart attack
is equal to that of a nonsmoker.
Even knowing all of its
benefits, though, is not always enough to make quitting a feasible goal.
Smokers who have successfully kicked the habit suggest several ways to
cope with the difficult process of breaking a nicotine addiction.
First
of all, make a list of reasons why to quit. As someone who is pregnant
or thinking of becoming pregnant, the health of your baby will be at the
top of your list. This is a great opportunity to stop making excuses and
motivate your self to quit in a specific time frame. Other reasons may
include your health and well being, financial concerns, or even improved
appearance and getting rid of the distinctive smell of tobacco. Whenever
you are tempted to start smoking again, take out your list and remind
yourself why you’d rather quit.
Another tried-and-true
technique is to surround your self with support. Tell friends and family
about your intention to quit and ask them for encouragement and patience
throughout the process. Join support groups formed specifically for
people that are quitting smoking. Both online and local groups are
available, depending on your preference for in-person contact or 24/7
advice. Many groups such as the American Lung Association or the
American Cancer Society will help you find support groups or offer
online support. Another good place to look for support is to your health
or insurance provider.
If you smoke before, during, or after
becoming pregnant, you put both your health and the health of your baby
at risk. If you quit smoking, however, the benefits begin only 20
minutes after your first cigarette and continue for years to come.
Ensure a healthy start for your baby by quitting smoking today!
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