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The Connection between Smoking and Preterm Delivery

Smoking cigarettes during pregnancy is a major risk factor for preterm delivery, which is defined as delivery of a baby before 37 weeks of gestation. Preterm infants are at increased risk of a variety of health problems, including respiratory problems, neurological problems, and long-term disabilities.

How Smoking Increases the Risk of Preterm Delivery

The link between smoking and preterm delivery is complex, but it is thought to be caused by a number of factors.

Smoking damages the placenta. The placenta is the organ that provides oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. Smoking causes the blood vessels in the placenta to constrict, which reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the fetus. This can lead to intrauterine growth restriction and preterm delivery.

Smoking increases the production of inflammatory chemicals. These chemicals can damage the cells of the placenta and uterus, which can also lead to preterm delivery.

Smoking decreases the levels of progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that helps to maintain pregnancy. Smoking decreases the levels of progesterone, which can lead to uterine contractions and preterm delivery.

The Risks of Preterm Delivery

Preterm infants are at increased risk of a variety of health problems, including:

Respiratory problems. Preterm infants are often born with underdeveloped lungs, which makes them more susceptible to respiratory problems such as respiratory distress syndrome and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Neurological problems. Preterm infants are also at increased risk of neurological problems such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and learning disabilities.

Long-term disabilities. Preterm infants are at increased risk of long-term disabilities such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.

The Benefits of Quitting Smoking

Quitting smoking is the single most important thing a pregnant woman can do to improve her chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of preterm delivery by up to 50%.

If You Are Pregnant and Smoke, Quit Now

If you are pregnant and smoke, quit now. It is never too late to quit smoking. Quitting smoking will benefit both you and your baby.

Here are some tips for quitting smoking:

Set a quit date. Pick a date when you will quit smoking and stick to it.

Tell your friends and family that you are quitting smoking. Having support from your loved ones can make it easier to quit.

Get rid of all of your cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Avoid places where you are likely to smoke, such as bars and clubs.

Find a support group or online forum where you can connect with other people who are quitting smoking.

Talk to your doctor about medications that can help you quit smoking.

Quitting smoking is hard, but it is worth it. For the sake of your baby, quit smoking today.

Conclusion

Smoking cigarettes during pregnancy is a major risk factor for preterm delivery. Preterm infants are at increased risk of a variety of health problems, including respiratory problems, neurological problems, and long-term disabilities. Quitting smoking is the single most important thing a pregnant woman can do to improve her chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby.