Passive smoking is especially harmful to children as they have less well-developed airways, lungs and immune systems. Babies of smokers can also suffer longer-term difficulties, with a higher risk of:
Breathing difficulties when they are first born, and as a child
Having a higher risk of developing asthma as a child or as an adult
Having feeding difficulties as a baby
Having infections as a baby
Having childhood obesity (50% increase)
Becoming a smoker themselves later in life
Suffering from heart disease as an adult
SIDS – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome – previously known as cot death. Babies have up to three times the risk of SIDS if the pregnant person smokes or the parents continue to smoke once the baby is home. Locally, 75% of babies who died of SIDS had parents who smoked.
What is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)? – The Lullaby Trust
Having a cleft palate (where there is a small hole in the roof of their mouth).
Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Children’s Charity: https://www.operationsmile.org.uk
The positive impact of quitting
Quitting smoking can not only benefit the unborn baby but also the adults who were smoking. There are many health benefits which can be felt as quickly as 20 minutes after quitting!
After 20 mins
Pulse rate returns to normal. Contrary to common belief you will feel less stressed! Nicotine Replacement Treatment helps combat cravings which can be interpreted as stress.
After 8 hours
Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in the blood reduce by more than half and oxygen levels return to normal.
After 48 hours
Carbon monoxide and nicotine levels return to normal. Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris. Ability to taste and smell is improved.
After 72 hours
Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase.
After 2-12 weeks
Circulation improves. No more cold hands and feet.
After 3 - 9 months
Coughs, wheezing, and breathing problems improve as lung function increases by up to 10%.
After 1 year
Risk of heart disease is about half compared with a person who is still smoking.
After 10 years
Risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker.
After 15 years
Risk of heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.
Ask your midwife for support on how to quit smoking. Teams across Suffolk and North east Essex are waiting to help you and your family