Smoking during pregnancy - effects on mother and child, the treatment options for tobacco dependence

Abstract

The negative effect of smoking on fertility and also on pregnancy has been proved by many studies. Harmful substances in cigarette smoke penetrate to the fetus of a pregnant woman and cause serious complications.

In the postnatal development of these children serious diseases are much more likely to occur. A pregnant smoker should therefore quit smoking as soon as possible.

Nicotine replacement therapy is the first line pharmacotherapy in pregnancy as a safer solution than continued smoking.

Keywords

• smoking
• pregnancy
• fetus
• nicotine replacement therapy