Smoking during pregnancy causes many health problems for both the mother and the developing embryo or fetus. When a pregnant woman smokes, she inhales poisons such as nicotine and carbon monoxide, which are then circulated into the body of the growing embryo or fetus through the placenta. These poisons keep the unborn baby from getting the food and oxygen needed for normal growth and development. This results in a higher risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, premature delivery, and a low birth weight baby. Babies born to smoking mother also may have more upper respiratory infections and other lung problems and may be smaller and shorter and slower learners than other children. A non-smoking mother who is exposed to second hand smoke can have a baby with health problems, including a low birth weight.
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