Essay On Smoking While Pregnant
Studies show that smoking during pregnancy causes massive effects on a baby. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, some of which include lead, and at least 60 other cancer-causing compounds. (Woolston 1) The bloodstream supplies the baby with oxygen and nutrients. When one smokes, toxins from the cigarette enter the bloodstream. Toxins, including nicotine and carbon monoxide, account for almost every smoking- related complication during pregnancy. (OBGYN James Christmas) Nicotine and carbon monoxide reduce the body’s supply of oxygen. Nicotine cuts off oxygen by narrowing blood vessels, including blood vessels found in the umbilical cord. (Woolston 1) Smoking while pregnant will heavily impact a baby’s weight, body, and lungs. Smoking will also potentially cause a baby to have heart problems and problems with brain function. Common complications include stillbirth,
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There is a chance the premature baby will be born with underdeveloped lungs and as a result, the lungs will not be capable of working on their own. At that point, the baby would need to be put on a respirator until their lungs are strong enough to work on their own. Even after being taken off the respirator and leaving the hospital, the baby will be at high risk of having breathing problems throughout their entire life. These babies are also more vulnerable to asthma and are at higher risk of SIDS. Sudden infant death syndrome, commonly referred to as SIDS, can be defined as the sudden and unexplained death of an infant. Usually, this occurs between birth and age one. SIDS, being the leading cause of death among infants, claims the lives of about 2,500 each year in the United States. Potential causes of sudden infant death syndrome include smoking, drinking and drug use. Stomach sleeping, overheating from excessive sleepwear and poor prenatal care is also linked to sudden infant death syndrome.
There is a chance the premature baby will be born with underdeveloped lungs and as a result, the lungs will not be capable of working on their own. At that point, the baby would need to be put on a respirator until their lungs are strong enough to work on their own. Even after being taken off the respirator and leaving the hospital, the baby will be at high risk of having breathing problems throughout their entire life. These babies are also more vulnerable to asthma and are at higher risk of SIDS. Sudden infant death syndrome, commonly referred to as SIDS, can be defined as the sudden and unexplained death of an infant. Usually, this occurs between birth and age one. SIDS, being the leading cause of death among infants, claims the lives of about 2,500 each year in the United States. Potential causes of sudden infant death syndrome include smoking, drinking and drug use. Stomach sleeping, overheating from excessive sleepwear and poor prenatal care is also linked to sudden infant death syndrome.