What does smoking do to baby

Research shows that babies who are exposed to tobacco or nicotine, before and after birth are at an increased risk of sudden and unexpected death, including SIDS. Being exposed to cigarette smoke, including secondhand smoke, whilst pregnant, also increases the risk of stillbirth. Red Nose National Promotion Manager Loren Rushton explains why quitting smoking is best for you and baby.

Is it safe to smoke when expecting a baby?

Sadly, we know that smoking during pregnancy (or being around smokers) increases the risk for stillbirth, and also increases the risk of SIDS” Ms Rushton cautions.

“People who smoke while pregnant, or who are around people who smoke, are also more likely to have premature babies, or babies of low birth weight.”

And research has also found that babies who are exposed to smoke before and after birth do not arouse as easily as babies who were not exposed to smoke.

“It is really important that babies can easily be aroused from sleep. This works best when babies are placed to sleep on their backs in a smoke-free environment,” Ms Rushton explains.

“Babies and young children are especially vulnerable to the poisons in second-hand smoke because their bodies are still developing,” Ms Rushton says.

“Passive smoking can also lead to respiratory infections and conditions such as croup, bronchitis and pneumonia; ear infections and childhood asthma.

So how can you reduce a baby’s exposure to second-hand smoke?

Put simply, don’t let anyone smoke near your baby – and make sure no one smokes in places where your baby spends time, including the house and car.

Also encourage members of your household, especially your partner, to quit smoking.

“We understand it can be hard to quit smoking, so make sure you ask for help,” Ms Rushton says.

“Speak to your GP, nurse or midwife, or contact Quitline for the right support.

If you do find yourself around someone who smokes, make sure they don’t touch your baby until after they have a shower and change their clothes.

“Smoke toxins stay on the skin and clothing, and are easily transferred to your baby, even if the person hasn’t smoked near your baby.”

Remember, it is often hard to quit smoking so ask for help. Call the Quitline on 137 848 or ask your doctor, midwife or child health nurse for information and advice about quitting. You can also visit Quitline’s website.