Smoking During Pregnancy

If you have been drinking up until the point when you become pregnant or smoking it is also vital that you stop doing so immediately. Many women worry that they consumed a few alcoholic drinks prior to learning they were pregnant. If you are concerned you should talk with your healthcare provider. Chances are that everything will be just fine as long as you stop immediately. At this time there are no recommended safe limits of alcohol to consume during pregnancy, thus it is best that you avoid alcohol all together.

Smoking is equally as harmful for a mother during pregnancy. Smoking can also affect your unborn fetus, potentially contributing to birth defects or respiratory problems later in life. Did you know that when you smoke your baby is receiving less oxygen than they normally would? This can cause your baby to grow less rapidly than they might normally, and may also contribute to preterm labor, which can be potentially life threatening for your infant.

If you are a smoker when you find out you are pregnant, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider immediately about your condition. Your healthcare provider can work with you to develop a plan for quitting that is manageable and something you can learn to live with during your pregnancy. There are also numerous support groups available for mothers who are trying to quit during and even after pregnancy. Remember that the sooner you quit smoking, the sooner you start providing your unborn child with the best possible outcome for a healthy and safe delivery and later life.

Here are some avenues of support if you are trying to quite smoking during pregnancy:

National Partnership to Help Pregnant Smokers Quit
http://www.helppregnantsmokersquit.org/

The American Legacy Foundation
http://www.americanlegacy.org/americanlegacy/skins/alf/home.aspx

Article by Beverley Brooke, author of "Ensure a healthy safe pregnancy for you and your baby", visit http://www.pregnancy-weight-loss.com for more on smoking during pregnancy

---

Expressing Breast Milk: Pumping for Your Preemie

The shock and stress of having a baby born prematurely... Read More

Twins Pregnancy?A Father?s Point of View

So you're expecting twins. Congratulations!Are you still in shock? I... Read More

Infertility and Pregnancy

When a couple is unable to conceive a child, it... Read More

Pregnancy Sex - Its A Wonderful Thing!

Mums to be can often get worried about having sex... Read More

Successful Weight Loss After Pregnancy

How fast you lose weight will depend on a number... Read More

Are Epidurals Bad?

EPIDURALS CAN SAVE YOU FROM THE "HORRORS" OF CHILDBIRTHIt is... Read More

Pregnancy Planner - A Quick Guide

Weeks 1 to 3 are the first weeks of pregnancy.... Read More

Vacation Is One Way To Run Away From Stress During Pregnancy

What should you do to have a happy pregnancy? Many... Read More

When Your Nipples Need Band-Aids - A Breastfeeding Problem

In the olden days, mothers were told to toughen their... Read More

How to Get Your Pre-pregnancy Body Back

The second biggest question you will ask yourself as a... Read More

Common Sense Approach To Weight Loss After A Pregnancy

Every woman gains weight while she is pregnant. This is... Read More

10 Pregnancy Risk Factors that Every Pregnant Woman Should be Aware of

Many factors affect the development of a fetus into a... Read More

Vitamin C Prevents Pregnancy Complication

Women who supplement with a small amount of vitamin C... Read More

Am I Pregnant?

Am I pregnant? This is often one of the most... Read More

Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Choosing The Right Foods

So you need to gain weight but don't want to... Read More

Alcohol And Pregnancy

If you have been drinking up until the point when... Read More

Pregnancy Weight Gain - The Mystery Solved

It is important that you remember that weight gain is... Read More

Exercising After Pregnancy

Generally most women can begin a formal exercise program within... Read More

Your Role as an Expectant Father

Quite often expectant fathers get bent out of shape over... Read More

Labor and Delivery

This is it - the finish line. You and your... Read More

Get Back Your Pre-Pregnancy Abs With Side Planks

The foundation of fitness for a mom is her abdominal... Read More

Keeping Cool When Pregnant

Chill Out: how to keep your cool this summerWhen the... Read More

Very Early Signs of Pregnancy - Do You Know the 10 Pregnancy Signs?

Very early signs of pregnancy - are there 10 pregnancy... Read More

Coping With an Unplanned Pregnancy

Your period is late and you start to think maybe... Read More

Start Growing Healthy Children Before Getting Pregnant

When I was in my early 20's, I read Adele... Read More