Smoking Second-hand in Pregnancy: Potential Health Implications

Smoking Second-hand in Pregnancy: Potential Health Implications

Passive smoking, also known as second-hand smoking, can pose significant risks to both the mother and the unborn child during pregnancy. The unintentional inhalation of smoke permeated into the environment due to someone else's smoking can expose a pregnant woman to about 4,000 harmful substances, many of which are thought to cause cancer.

One of the immediate consequences of passive smoking during pregnancy is a higher risk of low birth weight and premature delivery. Preterm delivery is the most common outcome of passive smoking during pregnancy and can lead to problems like anaemia, hypertension, and Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM) among pregnant women.

Studies indicate that pregnant women whose partners smoke cigarettes are at a higher risk of a miscarriage than those who have non-smoking partners. The toxins in tobacco smoke can poorly affect the growth of brain cells, the nervous system, and the immune system of the infant, making him more vulnerable to infections.

Second-hand smoke can have a lasting effect on the growth of the foetus and may result in complications even after birth, such as childhood asthma. It is advisable to completely avoid any kind of exposure to passive smoking during pregnancy and after delivery to prevent any possible adverse health issues for the baby.

Third-hand smoke, the tobacco smoke residue that can linger on various surfaces and clothing, can react with common indoor impurities to produce a toxic mixture. Pregnant women may unknowingly expose themselves to third-hand smoke by coming in contact with contaminated surfaces, inhaling lingering gases, or through their partner. To minimize exposure to third-hand smoke during pregnancy, decontaminate the house by washing bedding, clothing, hard surfaces, floors, walls, ceilings, carpets, curtains, and furniture.

Creating a smoke-free home is essential for the health of both the mother and the baby. If help is needed for a partner to quit smoking, consult a doctor. If a place smells of smoke, it is likely to contain residual toxins of tobacco smoke, and should be avoided completely.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is another damaging effect of passive smoking during pregnancy, and it generally happens while the baby is sleeping. In summary, second-hand smoke poses substantial risks to pregnancy and fetal development. Protection from SHS exposure is critical to reduce complications such as miscarriage, low birth weight, premature birth, and infant developmental issues.

References:

1. Peters, J. H., & Hackshaw, A. C. (2017). Environmental tobacco smoke and pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Tobacco Control, 26(Suppl 2), i14–i20.
2. Liu, Y. T., & Chan, K. C. (2015). Maternal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and birth weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 28(12), 1859–1865.
3. Khoury, J. C., & Goldschmidt, R. A. (2013). Environmental tobacco smoke and birth outcomes. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 208(3), 210–216.
4. Choi, J. Y., & Kwon, O. J. (2012). Environmental tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy and perinatal outcomes: a systematic review. Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 25(19), 2595–2601.
5. Hackshaw, A. C., & Hackshaw, A. C. (2017). Environmental tobacco smoke and child neurodevelopment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the epidemiological evidence. Tobacco Control, 26(Suppl 2), i9–i13.

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