The Impact of Secondhand Smoke During Pregnancy

Question

I am now four and a half months pregnant, and my husband often has smoking friends over at home. What should I do?

Answer

In poorly ventilated environments, the amount of secondhand smoke inhaled by non-smokers is equivalent to smoking one cigarette themselves. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer for non-smokers. So, what are the dangers of being exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy? Firstly, secondhand smoke can lead to a decrease in the mother’s immune system, making her more susceptible to colds and headaches, and even increasing the risk of cancer. Moreover, for pregnant women who smoke more than ten cigarettes a day, the risk of miscarriage is twice that of non-smokers, and the risk of preterm birth is even higher. In the late stages of pregnancy, secondhand smoke can also increase the risk of excessive bleeding, which may endanger the lives of both mother and child. Secondhand smoke can also lead to low birth weight in infants, increasing the risk of birth defects and developmental issues related to intelligence. Prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke in the womb and during infancy can also increase the risk of asthma and respiratory diseases in adulthood. Therefore, to prevent these health problems, pregnant women should avoid exposure to secondhand smoke environments.