The Adverse Effects Of Smoking On Reproduction And Health

Smoking is linked to a number of negative health consequences. Various studies have reported that smoking causes about 80-90% of lung cancer deaths in men and women. Smoking also leads to greater risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, and chronic obstructive lung diseases such as emphysema and bronchitis. Smoking is known to be a major cause of cancers of the pancreas, bladder, cervix, stomach, larynx, lungs, pharynx, etc.

Studies have reported that women smokers find it more difficult to conceive and that pregnant women smokers can cause great harm to their unborn children. Smoking cessation before pregnancy is a healthy decision for both mother and child. Smoking has a harmful effect on the health as well as on every aspect and phase of the process of reproduction. Read on to know more about why smoking is extremely detrimental for reproductive health.

• Women smokers are at a greater risk of infertility.
• Smoking before or during pregnancy is linked to a number of health conditions which include premature birth, complications during pregnancy, low birth weight in infants, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and stillbirths.
• Research has shown that pregnant women smokers double their risk of pregnancy complications such as placenta previa - a condition wherein the placenta is too near the uterus and often results in delivery by Caesarean section.
• Smoking may also increase the risk of placental absorption - a condition wherein the placenta separates prematurely from the uterus wall. This often results in stillbirth, pre-term delivery or SIDS. The risk of placental absorption among smokers is about 1.4-2.4 times that of non-smokers.
• Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of premature membrane rupture before going into labour and shortens the normal period of gestation.

It is advisable to quit smoking before you plan to conceive because it can have significant benefits for your reproductive and overall health.