LEARN  NEW WAYS TO STOP SMOKING

Smoking and pregnancy are two words that definitely do not and should not belong together. Many studies have shown that smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of genetic abnormalities including cleft lip or palate, bowel, eyes, ears or spinal cord malformations or problems and last but definitely not least respiratory problems in the form of asthma.

Most common side effects of smoking during pregnancy are placenta abnormalities. It’s imperative to keep in mind that the effect of smoking goes way beyond birth.

For example an increased risk of respiratory problem development as previously mentioned, during toddler or teenage years. The health benefits of quitting your much loved smokes are undoubtedly immense, this is particularly true and of great significance for pregnant women.

Side Effects of Smoking while Pregnant

Smoking during pregnancy not only affects the mother but also the baby, in a manner that can prove fatal for the baby.

• Since smoking produces large amounts of carbon monoxide in the body, it reduces the oxygen supply to the fetus. This can lead to the impairment of the fetus leading to birth defects, such as brain damage and low birth weight.
  
  
• The risk of passing on hereditary diseases by the pregnant mother to the unborn baby is higher among smoking pregnant women.
• You should understand that smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
• Not only smoking but also second hand smoke while pregnant can lead to lowering the metabolism of the mother, and therefore, have an effect on the baby. It can even lead to a miscarriage.
• A pregnant woman suffering from the withdrawal symptoms of smoking can pass these on to the newborn baby.
  
  
• An important thing to consider is the side effects of smoking weed or marijuana during pregnancy. This can lead to problems such as miscarriage, premature labor, low birth weight, low intelligence levels in the baby, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and even nerve damage in the brain.

Natural ways to stop smoking for pregnant women

Exercise

Exercise is a healthy aid to smoking cessation during pregnancy. Studies have shown that pregnant women who exercised regularly had a significantly reduced craving for nicotine. Under a doctor's supervision, regular exercise is a safe and effective way to stop smoking.

Herbs

Although natural herbs and herbal products provide most safe way to quit smoking, pregnant women should always consult their physician before taking any of these remedies.

Avena sativa comes from a wild oat plant and helps decrease nicotine withdrawal symptoms such as cigarette craving, insomnia, anxiety and nervousness.

Gotu kola is an excellent remedy for increasing circulation throughout the body and controlling the damage caused by smoking, to a certain extent.

Garcinia cambogia benefits for suppressing the desire for smoking.

Mimosa tea provides relief from these nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

SMOKING AND PREGNANCY FACTS:

Stopping smoking before or in the first three to four months of pregnancy protects the fetus against the reduced birth weight associated with smoking. Preoperative smoking cessation reduces perioperative mortality and complications.