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Questions and Answers

Q. How harmful is it to the unborn baby when the mother smokes? Any information will be helpful.

A. Smoking at any point in pregnancy is dangerous. It increases the risks of miscarriage, placenta problems (abruption, previa, etc), it takes needed oxygen away from the baby and delivers harmful chemicals via the cord. There is also an increased risk of premature birth which has risks of its own, and an increased risk that the baby will die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

The good news is that quitting at any point will decrease the above mentioned risks. There are special programs for expectant women who smoke to help them quit. Contact your local health department of the America Lung Association.

Cyndi Klausing, RN, ACCE, has been a childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor for over 18 years. She currently works as a newborn nursery nurse and is the mother of four sons.

Cyndi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.