Risks of smoking when pregnant
Quitting smoking or vaping at any stage of your pregnancy will help protect your health and your baby’s health. The earlier you quit, the better, but it’s never too late to make a positive change.
When you smoke during pregnancy, the harmful chemicals in tobacco or vape products can affect the way your baby grows and develops. These chemicals reduce the amount of oxygen and nutrients your baby receives, which can lead to serious health problems.
Quitting can lower your chances of:
- Ectopic pregnancy - when the baby starts to grow outside the womb, which can be life-threatening
- Miscarriage or stillbirth - losing your baby before or during birth
- Premature birth - your baby being born too early, which can lead to health problems later in life
- Low birth weight - babies who weigh less at birth may have a harder time feeding, gaining weight or fighting off infections
- Breathing problems - your baby may be more likely to have lung problems at birth or in early life
- Needing intensive care - babies exposed to smoke may need to be cared for in a special unit after birth
- Sudden Unexplained Death in Infancy (SUDI) - also known as cot death, this is more common in babies whose parents smoke
The good news is that quitting can reduce these risks. The sooner you stop, the more you and your baby will benefit. Speak to your GP, midwife or the Quitline for support.
Did you know?
Babies born with low birth weight aren’t easier to deliver. In fact, they are more likely to have health problems as they grow, both in childhood and later in life.
“I've got my unborn child’s health to think of.”
Call NSW Quitline for advice on helping your clients quit.