A substance free pregnancy protects you and your baby’s future
Being smokefree during and after pregnancy reduces the risk of stillbirth, low baby birth weight and other complications. Being smokefree also reduces the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI). If someone offers, say ‘Thanks, but no thanks!.
The effects of smoking on your baby:
- Miscarriage and still birth– smoking doubles the risk of losing baby
- Premature birth
- Low baby birth weight – this doesn’t mean an easier delivery but increases problems for mother and baby during pregnancy, delivery and after birth.
- Perinatal Death (including still birth)
- Increased risk of experiencing Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI)
- Damage to babies organs, especially the lungs
- Baby will be prone to having pneumonia, asthma, glue ear and other diseases
- The narrowing of blood vessels so less blood gets through. Food and oxygen are cut back which stunts growth and affects development.
The effects of alcohol and drugs on your baby:
- Miscarriage and still birth
- At risk of being born with brain damage, mental disability and long term consequences
- Premature birth – increases the risk of lung, eye, and learning problems in the infant. Preterm babies are also at increased risk for infection and death.
- Low birth weight – this places babies at increased risk for illness, disability, and death.
- Growth delays
- Permanent learning and behavioural problems, low IQ, inattention, impulsivity, aggression and problems with social interaction
Thanks to Tapuaki.org.nz