How does smoking adversely effect my pregnancy?

The negative effects of cigarette smoking in pregnancy outcome have been recognized for decades. In 1980, the Surgeon General concluded that 20-40% of ALL low-birth weight infants could be attributed to smoking, making tobacco use one of the most preventable causes. Other possible consequences include preterm birth, placenta previa (abnormal location of the placenta over the cervix), placental abruption (placenta tearing away from the uterus which could lead to stillbirth), premature rupture of membranes, and spontaneous abortion. The culprits responsible for these possible adverse consequences of cigarette smoking during pregnancy are carbon monoxide and nicotine. Carbon monoxide crosses the placenta and interferes with oxygen delivery to fetal tissues. Maternal blood flow to the uterus and placenta is decreased when nicotine is present. It is highly recommended that women STOP SMOKING as soon as they find out that they are pregnant.