Risk Factors And Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a special period in a woman’s life when her health and well-being directly affect the health and development of her unborn child. During this period, it is necessary to pay special attention to your lifestyle and avoid risk factors that can negatively affect the health and development of the fetus. One of these risk factors is smoking.

In women, smoking significantly increases the risk of chronic diseases, including pulmonary complications, and premature death. In addition, smoking increases the risk of heart disease in premenopausal women, especially while taking birth control pills.

However, smoking during pregnancy poses a particular danger to the health of the child. Studies have shown that women who regularly smoke one pack of cigarettes a day or more during pregnancy have babies that weigh less than those of non-smoking mothers. Carbon monoxide inhaled as part of tobacco smoke enters the fetal blood and reduces oxygen absorption, leading to severe oxygen starvation. Other effects of smoking include decreased blood flow, which interferes with the transfer of vital nutrients from mother to fetus.

Low-weight babies are weaker overall and more susceptible to illness than average-weight babies. Women who smoke are more likely to have a pregnancy that ends in premature labor, miscarriage, or stillbirth. Research also does not exclude that children born to mothers who smoked during and after pregnancy are more likely to experience sudden infant death syndrome.

Nicotine stimulates the release of hormones that constrict the blood vessels that supply blood to the placenta and uterus. This reduces the transfer of vital nutrients from mother to fetus.

Babies born to smoking mothers are often low-weight, have a more difficult time adapting to extrauterine life, have problems with the central nervous system, and are generally poor in health. They suffer more often and more severely from respiratory tract infections, and also have an increased risk of sudden death. Some scientists believe that maternal smoking may contribute to the appearance of malignant tumors in the child in the future.

Besides smoking, other risk factors that can affect the baby's health and development during pregnancy include:

1. Alcohol use: Alcohol negatively affects fetal development and can cause physical and mental problems in the baby, including fetal alcohol syndrome.
2. Drug use: Drugs can also negatively affect the health and development of the fetus, as well as lead to premature birth and other pregnancy complications.
3. Nutrient deficiencies: Deficiencies in nutrients such as iron and folic acid can lead to various pregnancy complications, including premature birth and low birth weight.
4. Stress: Stress can affect the health and well-being of a pregnant woman and her baby, including premature birth and low birth weight.

Overall, pregnancy is a time when women should pay special attention to their health and avoid risk factors that could negatively affect the health and development of their unborn child. If you have any health concerns or questions related to your pregnancy, it is important to contact your doctor or other qualified professional for advice and assistance.