You're Smokin' Babe!

Dear Pregnant Smokers,

            Would you let your child smoke? I’m not talking about a grown child. I’m talking about a little kid, maybe even a baby. Would you share your pack of cigarettes with them? Of course not! Not only is it illegal but you know it would harm them. So, if we are disgusted at the thought of a two-year old smoking, then why would you smoke while pregnant? Your unborn child is even younger, so why would you infect the child with nicotine and smoke? What’s yours is theirs isn't it?
            Because babies are connected to their mother, they share oxygen, fluids, and food for ten months. When a pregnant woman smokes, her blood is filled with less oxygen, so her unborn baby’s blood has less oxygen as well. It’s heartbreaking to know that women aren't quitting their bad habits so that their baby can be healthy. Smoking is an addiction and is hard to quit, but if anything should motivate you, shouldn't it be the fact that you are putting your baby’s life in danger? There are so many things that can go wrong! The placenta could be detached, the baby’s oxygen could be reduced, and the baby could be killed. A baby depends on their mother because that’s all the child has those few months. An infant not only wants but needs a mother’s love and care. Are mothers being caring if they are putting their baby’s life on the line? Are they truly giving their child what they need in order to live a healthy life in and out of the womb?

            A smoking mother must also realize that if their baby comes out healthy despite their smoking, it does not mean the child went unharmed. Studies show that a baby of a pregnant smoker is more likely to be diagnosed with asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, or respiratory symptoms. Did I also mention that they also have a high risk for lung cancer, the leading cause of death in the nation? Now, you are likely to be taking your child to the doctor many more time than normal. This would mean more medical bills for you and a rough life for your child. You don’t want to live with guilt and worry because you are the reason your child is sick all of the time. You want to know that your child is happy and healthy. Wouldn't that make YOU happy?

            If you want to smoke, I’m not going to insult you or lecture you. Smoking is in our society, and what you do to your body is your business. However, if your baby’s health and happiness isn't enough to make you quit smoking, at least while you are pregnant, then consider your own health. Smoking isn't healthy to begin with; a fact that most smokers and nonsmokers know. However, smoking can affect your health even more when you’re pregnant. A pregnant smoker has a high risk of having an ectopic pregnancy. This not only kills the child but puts the mother’s life in danger as well. Intense bleeding and placenta difficulties may also occur. If the placenta detaches, the mother may experience pain and bleeding. So, not only are you risking your child’s health but your health too. Isn't that enough to quit smoking? Putting your health at risk and your baby’s life at risk?

          Look at the picture on the left. What do you see? I’m not talking about what you literally see, but what stands out? When I look at this picture, I see the smoke, and then, I look at the baby bump. When I look at this, I see a baby and a cigarette -totally opposite from one another. Because of this, I don’t see a woman smoking. I see a baby unwillingly smoking. They are trapped in a prison of smoke and nicotine. He/She cannot push away or fight or scream because they are forced to accept what their mother gives them. A pregnant smoker is not giving their baby a choice but is making their unborn child take in harmful substances because “mommy” is trying to fulfill her wants instead of her baby’s needs. The definition of a mother is “a woman in relation to a child or children to whom she has given birth”, BUT the definition of mothering is “to bring up a child with care and affection”. To take care of a child is to tend to their needs. So, are you mothering, or are you just a mother?

            Pregnant smoking is dangerous, selfish, and sometimes fatal. Smoking is a want, but keeping a baby in good health is a need. Don’t be their enemy. Protect them. Care for them. Mother them. After all, you wouldn't hand a cigarette to your two-year old would you? 

For more information on Pregnant Smoking, click here.