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You will have read in the newspapers that
smoking can affect your baby now and in the future.
• Smoking raises the levels of carbon monoxide in your
blood, so that less oxygen reaches your baby.
• Nicotine constricts the blood vessels on your side of
the placenta, which means that oxygen is passed over less efficiently
to the baby.
All this can result in the baby growing less well and may result in a low birth
weight. Low birth weight can cause problems during and after labour, and the
baby is susceptible to infections. Smoking can also affect brain development
and the general health of your baby. There is also evidence to show that
partners who smoke affect the babyÕs health ø whether of not the pregnant woman
smokes.
If you and your partner stop smoking you reduce all risks. Babies and children
grow up healthier in a smoke-free atmosphere.
For current information please visit the National Instuite of Clinical
Excellence (NICE) at www.nice.org.uk and search
'antenatal care'.
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