What harms the baby while pregnant?

Tobacco, alcohol and drugs can have harmful effects on anyone’s health. When a pregnant or nursing woman uses these substances, her baby also is exposed to them, for all substances cross the placenta through the umbilical cord and enter into the baby’s bloodstream.

Can a pregnant woman harm her unborn baby by consuming alcohol?

A woman who drinks alcohol while she is pregnant may harm her developing baby (fetus). Alcohol can pass from the mother’s blood into the baby’s blood. It can damage and affect the growth of the baby’s cells. Brain and spinal cord cells are most likely to have damage.

Can smoking cause miscarriage?

According to the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , smoking raises the likelihood of both early miscarriage and stillbirth. The dangerous chemicals in cigarettes are often to blame. Other complications from smoking can lead to problems with the placenta or slow fetal development.

What are the effects of smoking and drinking while pregnant?

premature birth. low birth weight. miscarriage and cot death. breathing problems and wheezing in the first six months of life.

What are the health risks of smoking during pregnancy?

Smoking can damage your baby’s developing lungs and brain. The damage can last through childhood and into the teen years. 4 Smoking doubles your risk of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and delivery. This can put both you and your baby in danger. 5 Smoking raises your baby’s risk for birth defects,…

What happens if you drink alcohol while pregnant?

Alcohol is one of the most concerning teratogens. It quickly passes from your blood to your baby’s blood through the placenta and umbilical cord. Your fetus has the same blood alcohol level that you do if you drink, but it doesn’t have the same ability to break down the alcohol. Drinking during pregnancy can cause: 3 

Does prenatal exposure to smoking and alcohol increase the risk for SIDS?

Abstract Prenatal exposure to smoking and alcohol increases the risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Physiological changes associated with these exposures are not well studied. Full-term infants were tested within the first 3 days of life.

How does smoking during pregnancy affect cleft lip?

Smoking during pregnancy can cause tissue damage in the unborn baby, particularly in the lung and brain, and some studies suggests a link between maternal smoking and cleft lip. 1,2 Studies also suggest a relationship between tobacco and miscarriage.