Health in Pregnancy

Smoking

You will have read in the newspapers that smoking can affect your baby now and in the future.

• Smoking raises the levels of carbon monoxide in your blood, so that less oxygen reaches your baby.
• Nicotine constricts the blood vessels on your side of the placenta, which means that oxygen is passed over less efficiently to the baby.

All this can result in the baby growing less well and may result in a low birth weight. Low birth weight can cause problems during and after labour, and the baby is susceptible to infections. Smoking can also affect brain development and the general health of your baby. There is also evidence to show that partners who smoke affect the baby's health – whether of not the pregnant woman smokes.

If you and your partner stop smoking you reduce all risks. Babies and children grow up healthier in a smoke-free atmosphere.

For current information please visit the National Instuite of Clinical Excellence (NICE) at www.nice.org.uk and search 'antenatal care'.