Smoking: a major cause of stillbirth, prematurity, and infant death
Approximately 12% of pregnant women in the Unites States (8% in California) smoke.
The negative effects of smoking during pregnancy are well documented. There is a:
- 30% increased risk of miscarriage
- 30% increased risk of stillbirth
- 60% increased risk of prematurity (the single most common cause of infant death and cerebral palsy in the United States)
- 50% increased risk of abruption (potentially dangerous bleeding behind the placenta)
Babies born to smokers are also more likely to have a low birth weight (less than 5.5 lbs). This can result in many long-term health complications.
The negative effects of smoking in pregnancy are caused by the multitude of toxins, such as nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide released into the bloodstream with each puff. Oxygen deprivation also plays a big role, because smoking reduces blood flow to the placenta.
Exposure to second hand smoke after birth only compounds these negative effects. Almost 20% of deaths due to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) are due to tobacco and a baby exposed to second hand smoke in the first year of life is more likely to suffer from obesity, asthma and other breathing problems, ear infections, and growth problems.
There is no doubt about this data. The studies are sound, come from many countries, and multiple different researchers. They have been funded both by the private institutions and governments.
There was mass panic last year when concerns were raised over Chinese baby formula tainted with melamine that may have entered the U.S. There was a mass recall and FDA inspectors tested formula from hundred of stores across the country. No tainted formula was found and no baby in the U.S. became ill. Melamine is of course concerning; however, 5% of deaths within the first year of life in the U.S. are directly related to cigarettes. If protecting the lives of children is important how are cigarettes legal and largely unregulated?
During Sonia Sotomayor’s confirmation hearing for the Supreme Court we will undoubtedly hear much about her record on abortion, but will any of our learned legislators ask her about her views on Big Tobacco?
May 31rst is World No Tobacco Day. Pass it on.
Remember, this column does not constitute individual medical advice
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Smoking: a major cause of stillbirth, prematurity, and infant death
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