How Does Cigarette Smoke Affect Pregnant Women?
Respiratory Issues Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen a pregnant woman inhales. In turn, it also reduces the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled. The amount of oxygen coming into the body is not enough to meet the needs of the mother and therefore reduces the amount that goes to the baby, causing the baby to intake too much. The lack of oxygen and increased amount of poisonous gases inhaled can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma. Fertility and Reproduction Smoking can not only damage the mother’s reproductive system, it can also damage the baby’s reproductive system so severely that the child’s sex life may be hindered. In males, the semen count may be lower and in some cases impotency will occur. In females, there is a risk that the fallopian tubes and ovaries will be damaged. This damage could cause difficulty in conceiving or make it impossible. Secondhand Smoke Even if the mother does not smoke, the mother and baby are at risk if those around them do. Respiratory and fertil
