Second-hand smoke during pregnancy
All parents want a safe and healthy start for their baby. That starts even before your baby is born. One thing to think about is second-hand smoke, which can be harmful during pregnancy.
What is second-hand smoke?
Second-hand smoke is the smoke that comes from someone else’s cigarette, cigar or tobacco product. It includes the smoke they breathe out and the smoke from the end of the cigarette. This is also called passive smoking.
Breathing in second-hand smoke is dangerous for everyone, including your unborn baby.
Breathing in second-hand smoke during pregnancy can increase the risk of:
- Sudden infant death (SIDS)
- Infant death
- Asthma and breathing problems in childhood
- Infections in the lungs or airways
- Ear infections
- Problems with smell
- Long-term health issues like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease
- Childhood cancers
Keeping your home smoke-free can reduce these risks.
Creating a smoke-free home
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but quitting smoking can be hard. The best thing for you, your baby and your family is to live in a smoke-free home.
If you smoke and your partner has quit for the pregnancy, this is a great chance to quit together. You’ll both be healthier and your baby will be born into a cleaner, safer home. This also lowers the risks from second-hand smoke. Learn more about the risks of second-hand smoke.
Support is available to help you quit. Talk to your doctor, midwife or call the NSW Quitline on 13 7848.
Did you know?
There is no known safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke.
“I have a wife, daughter and my second baby is eight weeks away. 10 years of smoking, but now when I smoke I think of not being around for my family down the track. Not to mention how smoking isolates me from my family now. Tried and failed but this time it's a must.”
Call NSW Quitline for advice on quitting while pregnant.