New Delhi: Smoking kills! It’s just not a warning that we read in advertisements, it is beyond that. We are all aware of the ill or side effects of tobacco consumption, according to a recent report released by the Union Health Ministry revealed disturbing data that showed, smoking has increased two-fold in teenage girls in India. The India Tabacco Control has issued this report. Smoking is rising among adolescents too even as it is decreased among older women. Smoking can cause cancer, and other chronic diseases and is also the leading reason behind the rising death toll but starting to smoke at this early age can lead to major risks in conceiving among women.
In conversation with News9, Dr Asha Dalal, Director, of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Well Woman Center, Sir H N Reliance Hospital said, “Smoking before and during pregnancy exposes you and the foetus to several risks.
When a woman smokes, due to harmful substances like nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide, the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is reduced leading to less oxygen delivery to the foetus.”
“It will increase your baby’s risk for birth defects including cleft lip, cleft palate, diaphragmatic hernia, gastroschisis, limb reduction defects and hypospadias. There is an increased risk of miscarriage. Because of the decreased blood supply, these babies are known to suffer from Intra Uterine Growth Restriction or IUGR. In this, the babies do not grow to their full potential. They are underweight and they can have several health complications,” added D Dalal.
Smoking a major cause of preterm births
Smoking is a major cause of Preterm Birth. Babies born before 37 weeks of Gestation may suffer from Respiratory Distress Syndrome, hypothermia, infections and hypoglycaemia.
According to Dr Dalal, “Placental abnormalities are also more common. These include Abruptio Placenta where there is separation of a normally placed placenta or a Placenta Praevia. Both can cause bleeding putting the life of both mother and baby at risk.”
Babies born to mothers who smoke are at increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS where a healthy baby dies suddenly.
Long-term effects of smoking
Long-term health impacts include respiratory problems, behavioural issues like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD), obesity and chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension in later life. Considering all these risks women should be educated about the need to stop smoking three to four months before getting pregnant and if not then give it up in pregnancy.
According to a recent report released by the Union Health Ministry revealed disturbing data that showed, smoking has increased two-fold in teenage girls in India. Check future health risks Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
