Great American Smokeout

Today is the American Cancer Society’s Annual Great American Smokeout Day – what a great day to quit!  Despite the fact that most women are well aware of the adverse effects of smoking on the health of their pregnancy, it is estimated that approximately 11% of women smoke during pregnancy in the United States.  Smoking has numerous adverse effects including decreased fertility, increased miscarriage rate, decreased birth weight, and increased risks for preterm delivery and stillbirth.  Additionally, the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is 2 to 7 times higher in infants of mothers who smoke.  Therefore, if you are thinking of becoming pregnant or are pregnant now, it is time to quit!  Talk to your doctor about quitting and make a plan.  Smokefree.gov is also a great resource for assistance in quitting.  If you are struggling to quit, but feel you need extra help, nicotine replacement products may be an option; however, these need to be used under close physician supervision.  The sooner you can stop smoking, the better for you and your baby!