Midwife Nurse Tips: Smoking during pregnancy
Fetal development during the months of gestation is crucial to the overall health and well-being of a baby. Smoking puts, not only a baby’s health at risk but can also lead to complications during pregnancy. Women who are looking to raise a family will quit smoking before they begin trying to conceive, others will use the opportunity of the pregnancy to quit for good. However, there are women who have grown dependent on nicotine and stopping completely will require some focused help. The following is a breakdown of the possible health risks to both mother and baby due to continued smoking.
Midwife Nurse Tips: Smoking during pregnancy
Research findings
Numerous research throughout the years into maternal health, have indicated that smoking increases the risk of birth defects. The harmful substances contained in cigarettes have been found to be contributing factors that lead to the development of health complications in unborn children. This risk is more so for smoking mothers than it is for those who are non-smokers. Quitting smoking during pregnancy has also been found as one of the most significant factors that could improve healthy birth outcomes.
Maternal health risks
Despite continued public awareness, during the past few years, the prevalence of smoking among pregnant women has increased rapidly. While smoking presents its overall health risks, including hampering fertility, the risk is doubled for mothers-to-be. In addition to this, there are many risks that can contribute to health-related issues in women who are pregnant. These risks include conditions such as ectopic pregnancies, pre-eclampsia, placenta previa and deep vein thrombosis.
Fetus at risk
The risks to a fetus during pregnancy have been well documented. Smoking during pregnancy could increase the chance of a miscarriage, premature birth, growth retardation and other health complications for the unborn child. While there are those researchers that refute the claims of association between smoking and fetal health, the majority are of the view of this clear link and the harmful effects of nicotine. However, nicotine is not the only culprit that affects health outcomes, the various carcinogenic agents and pollutants in cigarettes are believed by health professionals to affect fetal development and health in the long term.
What can nurses do?
Nurses are well placed to offer advice and encouragement to pregnant mothers to quit smoking. The constant interaction of nurses with women at preconception discussions right up until postnatal visits, offer plenty of opportunities to discuss practical ways of kicking the habit. Nurses should also be well-informed and briefed by the organization that they work for about available options of treatment that they could recommend to nicotine dependent mothers.
View our latest midwife nurse jobs here: midwifery jobs in Australia