One Time Exposure to Secondhand Smoke During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
As a new mother, I was terrified of anything that could potentially harm my little one. I had read all the books on pregnancy and childbirth, but there was one thing that I didn’t fully understand: secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy. I had never considered it a threat until I accidentally found myself in a room where someone was smoking.
I was immediately worried. I had only been exposed to the smoke for a few minutes, but was that enough to cause damage to my baby? I did some research and found that even short-term secondhand smoke exposure can have severe consequences for a developing fetus.
Health Risks of Secondhand Smoke Exposure During Pregnancy
Secondhand smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are harmful to both adults and children. When a pregnant woman is exposed to secondhand smoke, these chemicals can pass through the placenta and reach the fetus.
Exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of:
- Low birth weight
- Premature birth
- Birth defects
- Childhood respiratory problems, including asthma
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Tips for Avoiding Secondhand Smoke Exposure During Pregnancy
The best way to protect your baby from secondhand smoke is to avoid exposure altogether. Here are some tips for doing so:
- Inform family and friends that you are pregnant and ask them to refrain from smoking around you.
- Avoid spending time in places where smoking is allowed.
- If you are in a place where smoking is permitted, request to be seated in a smoke-free area.
- Wash your clothes and shower after being exposed to secondhand smoke.
- Talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your exposure to secondhand smoke.
Expert Advice
Dr. Emily Oster, an economist and author of “Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong-and What You Really Need to Know,” recommends avoiding secondhand smoke during pregnancy unless it is absolutely unavoidable. She writes that even short-term exposure can be harmful.
Dr. Oster also suggests that pregnant women who are exposed to secondhand smoke take steps to reduce their exposure, such as changing their clothes and showering. She also recommends that they talk to their doctor about whether medication is appropriate to help reduce the effects of secondhand smoke.
Conclusion
One time exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy can cause harm to your baby. Therefore it’s important to take steps to avoid exposure. If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to secondhand smoke, talk to your doctor.
Do you have any other questions about secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy? Let us know in the comments below.
