Quitting,especially during pregnancy, can be difficult. We are here to support you and your baby. Quitting may not be easy, but with advice and guidance it is possible.

Women who quit smoking before or early in pregnancy reduce the risk for several adverse outcomes. In the United States approximately 25% of women, one in four, smoke during pregnancy. Smoking before and during pregnancy is the single most preventable cause of illness and death among mothers and infants. When women who smoke start to think about having children, they also need to think about quitting smoking.

Women who smoke are:

• Twice as likely to experience a delay in conception and have 30% higher odds of being infertile.
• Twice as likely to experience premature rupture of membranes, placental abruption and placenta previa during pregnancy.
• Are at a greater risk of stillbirths, miscarriages and ectopic (outside the uterus) pregnancy.
• Are more likely to have complications during delivery.

Babies born to women who smoke during pregnancy:

• Have a 30% greater risk of being born prematurely.
• Are more likely to be born with low birthweight increasing their risks for illness or death. The more women smoke the higher the risk of low birth weight.
• Weigh less than babies of mothers who did not smoke during pregnancy.
• Are more likely to die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
• May have congenital malformations such as cleft palate.
• Are more likely to have lungs problems, more colds and coughs and middle-ear infections.
• May be slower learners in school.
• Are more likely to smoke when they get older because they see their parents smoking.

Top Ten Reasons Not To Smoke While You Are Pregnant

Many women are able to quit during pregnancy. They are motivated to quit for their babies as well as themselves. If you are pregnant and need help quitting call us at (516) 466-1980. We are here to help.