Smoking while pregnant?

Question

I just found out that my wife smoked pretty much everyday while she was pregnant with our son. She did this while at work and somehow I missed the smell everyday. Is there anything that I need to do for my son to make sure he will be ok from here on out? Thank you!

Answer 1

the main concern with smoking is low birth weight, and she obviously wasn't chain smoking or she would have done so at home too, your baby is fine!!

Answer 2

You don't say how old your son is now. Most of the concern about smoking while pregnant is with small birth weight babies and the trouble they may have in getting up to speed in the nursery, instead of going home like normal babies. If your son is born and in school and getting good grades all is probably well. If not in school yet, you can always jump-start the process by working with him and reading, numbers etc. All the pre-school things that most parents do anyway. I'm sure you will do a good job.

Answer 3

No, there's not. He was most vulnerable when she was in the first trimester. That's when the highest risk of fetal mal-development occurs. Gently - and I mean GENTLY - ask your wife to quit smoking. As a former instructor for a well-known smoking cessation clinic, I can tell you how hard it is for someone to quit. Nagging, yelling, pleading won't help. The person has to want to quit. You can offer incentives such as a trip to Acapulco or even Daytona Beach, but you can't force the issue. If your son is okay now, just try to ensure he is not exposed to second-hand smoke and raise him as best the two of you can. And most importantly - do NOT berate your wife for her smoking behavior even if the child develops an adverse health condition. Just deal with it and love them both...

Answer 4

Try your best to keep him from smoke from here on out. You can't stop your wife from smoking, but you can try to keep your baby away from smoke as much as possible. Babies who are around cigarrettes have a higher rate of SID's, is more likely to have lower birth rate, can cause premature labor, cause allergies and asthma. I know some people think that there was nothing wrong with their child when they had them but if you would see those people who never smoked a day in their life and got lung cancer because they lived in a house of smokers you might change your mind. I know smoking is addictive but if I can go from 3 packs a day to not smoking and going to try not to even after the baby is born then you can only imagine why I do get angry at smokers. The way I see it is you if you jump off a bridge without a bungee you could be safe, or you can drown or hit your head on a rock. Why make someone else jump off without a safety harness. Just try to make sure she smokes outside and not in the car. What she does to her body is her thing but why chance even if there is a slim chance, doing that to your own child. I know some people will not like my comments, but it is my own opinion. And I can honestly tell you quitting smoking was one of the easiest thing I have ever done because my child comes first in my life. And I have smoked from 13 years old to 24 years old so anyone who says I must not have smoked very long can know it wasn't easy in the terms of addiction. No use dwelling now but you can keep your child from being exposed to any other smoke. Hopefully she at least cut back a little but either way what's done is done but at least you can prevent as much as you can now. Also, if she is still smoking try not to nag her too much and maybe get her the patch or gum or something that will help her. Nagging will probably just make her smoke more. I know it did me. But my hubby every day I did not smoke told me how proud he was of me. I think that helped even more.

12 weeks and 3 days pregnant. Smoke free for 5 months because we wanted our baby to be healthy and were trying for 6 years. Also, as soon as I stopped smoking got pregnant instantly. Doctors told me when I got pregnant smoking can also cause infertility. Who knew.

Answer 5

Well, you could inform his doctor, and keep an eye on him, but I wouldn't get all upset about it if the child seems fine.

My first three (of six) children were born when you could smoke right in the doctor's waiting room--in your hospital room--in office buildings--in some stores--everywhere outdoors--in restaurants, etc.

Those three are nearing 30, and have never had a problem with anything like asthma, frequent colds, bronchitis, or anything else associated with my smoking during pregnancy.

Answer 6

My mother smoked while she was pregnant with me and throughout my early childhood. Due to this I have developed asthma. The best thing you can do for your son is to keep him away from second hand smoke, dust, pollen, and animal dander. If you notice that he has any kind of shortness of breath he needs to be evaluated by a doctor immediately.

Answer 7

Let your son's doctor know as soon as possible so he can tell you what to watch out for and perform any neccesary tests.

Most likely he will be fine. If there was a serious problem usually it would be caught in utero. You may want to check with the OB GYN and see if they were aware of her smoking habit.

Best Wishes to you

Answer 8

Just don't let your wife smoke around the baby. Have him tested to make sure that there is nothing wrong with him because of it.

Answer 9

Your wife let her addiction put your childs life at risk. Some people on here act like its no big deal but it is. Smoking cigarettes is just like smoking crack or shooting heroin, its just legal. I sure hope your son is o.k. but if he has asthma or develops any other symptoms I hope your wife can live with herself and what she did to her child over her selfishness. My mother smoked the whole 9 months with me and my doctors told me the hole in my heart is a direct link. Sorry, not trying to scare you. Just giving the facts.

Answer 10

You can have your pediatrican check for asthma, and other respitory ailments. What your wife should of known was that with every drag of a cigarette the baby stops breathing. There have been cases of babies being born with a bluish tint to their skin from the lack of oxygen. Since you didn't comment on something like that it sounds as though there wasn't anything as drastic as that when he was born. If your wife smokes in the house she needs to do it outside, and you need to air out your house. My son and I lived with my mother for 5 years, and he developed asthma from her cigarette smoke.

Answer 11

After he's out of the womb the only thing you can do is keep him away from second-hand smoke. Other than that - there is nothing to do.