Smoking Second Biggest Cause Of Stillbirth, UK

Main Category: Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Also Included In: Smoking / Quit Smoking;  Public Health;  Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 19 Apr 2011 - 8:00 PDT


Smoking was responsible for about six per cent, or 3,000 stillbirths, each year in high-income countries, according to studies on stillbirth published in the Lancet medical journal recently with evidence mounting that passive smoking is also a risk factor for mothers.

Smoking during pregnancy is commonly linked to an increased risk of stillbirths as it restricts the growth of the foetus whilst in the womb.

Jonathan Chetland, NHS Stop Smoking Specialist in Somerset said, "We know of the harmful effects of smoking on the foetus because of the direct exposure to toxins when cigarette smoke is inhaled by the mother. By stopping smoking the risk of having a stillbirth can be significantly reduced."

Tracey Hellyar, Smokefree Families Adviser said, "All mums-to-be want to have a healthy baby. If you smoke, quitting will have immediate benefits for you and your baby. We know stopping smoking is not always easy but there are lots of free help and support available from Somerset NHS Stop Smoking Service."

If you are ready to quit call the Somerset NHS Stop Smoking Service on 0303 033 9840 or text QUITNOW to 80010 for personalised help and support.

Note

One-fifth of mums say they want to quit because they are worried about potential harm to their children and families, and a further fifth admitted that their children recently tried to make them give up.

Main risks of smoking during pregnancy:

- Poor health for the mother, including miscarriage, bleeding and nausea
- Slow growth of the foetus
- Premature birth or stillbirth
- Low birth weight
- Higher chance of cot death
- Breathing problems and wheezing in the first six months of life

Smoking during pregnancy damages a baby's airways even before birth. Baby's whose mothers smoke during pregnancy are born with smaller airways, making them more vulnerable to breathing problems. Research has shown airflow through the breathing tubes is on average 20% lower in babies born to smoking mothers.

With each cigarette a pregnant woman smokes, the blood flow through the placenta is reduced for about 15 minutes, causing the baby's heart rate to increase.

Source:
NHS Somerset

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