smoking while pregnant

Smoking while pregnant exposes both the mother and the unborn child to significant health risks. According to the Better Health Channel, smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature labor, and low birth weight, which can lead to long-term health problems for the child. The CDC also highlights that smoking can cause birth defects and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that smoking is linked to poor birth outcomes such as restricted head growth and placental problems. Additionally, Healthline notes that smoking can impair the development of the baby's brain and lungs. The NHS advises that quitting smoking at any stage of pregnancy can significantly reduce these risks and improve outcomes for both mother and child. Therefore, the consensus among health authorities is clear: smoking during pregnancy poses severe risks and quitting is highly recommended to protect both maternal and fetal health.