Smoking & pregnancy
Baby's father
You may think that as you're not the one who's pregnant, there is no reason for you to quit smoking. If so, you'd be wrong. Having a baby is a responsibility which you and your partner both share. Women who are exposed to secondhand smoke during their pregnancy are at risk of complications. Passive smoking is dangerous because the harmful gasses and chemicals go to your partner and the unborn baby.
If you continue to smoke after the baby is born, your secondhand smoke will be harmful to him/her too.
"What's wrong with secondhand smoke?"
Tobacco smoke contains poisonous gasses, tar and thousands of toxic chemicals. These poisons get into the bodies of children who live in smoky atmospheres. Children are even more sensitive to smoke than adults as their bodies are young and still developing.
"What can I do to help?"
If you smoke, try to use this time to stop. You will all benefit. You will have more money, less time off sick, be generally fitter and have improved health. If your partner smokes, ideally you could try to stop her smoking. If you can't, you can help by not offering your partner cigarettes or smoking near her. Protecting babies from tobacco smoke in pregnancy and childhood really helps them get a healthier start in life.
"How will secondhand smoke affect the baby after he/she is born?"
Babies and children exposed to a smoky atmosphere are:
- twice as likely to have asthma attacks and chest infections
- more likely to need hospital care in their first year of life
- off sick from school more often
- get more coughs, colds and wheezes
Medical research shows they have:
- much higher risk of cot death than the children of non-smokers
- increased risk of meningitis
- more chance of getting "glue ear" which can lead to partial deafness
"What can I do to protect babies and children?"
The best thing you can do to protect your children is to keep them away from all cigarettes and smoky places - keep their playing, sleeping and eating areas completely smoke free.
"What if that's not always possible?"
Always try to smoke away from children. If getting outside is difficult, go to an open window or an extractor fan. Safeguard unattended windows and doors.
Tips
- smoke outside whenever possible
- If inside, keep smoke limited to one place, well away from children
- always keep smoky rooms well ventilated
- when out and about with the family, find non-smoking areas.
"How can I discourage my children from wanting to smoke?"
Research shows that children who live with smokers are much more likely to start themselves. Smoking is a difficult habit to break, so it is important to encourage children never to start.
- What if you're the baby's mother?
Contacts
The contacts database contains details of organisations that may be able to offer information or assistance on this issue.
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Based on information taken, with permission, from "S is for Smoking & Pregnancy" and "P is for Protecting Babies & Children From Secondhand Smoke" produced by the Welsh Assembly Government
