You're pregnant! Congratulations!
While pregnancy is an exciting time, it is also a time when you may have many questions and concerns. On this page, we have put together information and resources to help you take care of yourself (and baby!). We are glad to be able to share the medically reviewed information with you but remember: nothing takes the place of regular visits with your health care provider for prenatal care.
If you are still looking for a physician, please consider Good Neighbor Community Health Center and Good Neighbor Fremont. We have contracted with highly qualified OB providers who look forward to working with you to help make your pregnancy a happy and healthy one.
To make an appointment or for more information, please call (402) 562-7500 (Columbus) or (402) 721-0951 (Fremont).
Smoking
Outlook for Mother and Baby
Most people know that smoking causes cancer and other major health problems. Smoking while you’re pregnant can cause serious problems, too. Your baby could be born too early, have a birth defect, or die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Even being around cigarette smoke can cause health problems for you and your baby.
It’s best to quit smoking before you get pregnant. But if you’re already pregnant, quitting can still help protect you and your baby from health problems. It’s never too late to quit smoking.
If you smoked and had a healthy pregnancy in the past, there’s no guarantee that your next pregnancy will be healthy. When you smoke during pregnancy, you put your health and your baby’s health at risk.
Are E-cigarettes safer than regular cigarettes?
E-cigarettes typically contain nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals. Products containing nicotine are not safe to use during pregnancy. Nicotine is a health danger for pregnant women and developing babies. Some of the flavorings used in e-cigarettes may be harmful to a developing baby.
Quitting smoking will help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. If you need help quitting, talk with your obstetrician or other health care provider. Or call the National Smoker's Quit Line at (800) QUIT-NOW
Did you know?
- Nicotine is only one of 4,000 toxic chemicals in cigarettes?
- Second-hand smoke can cause growth problems for your fetus and increase your baby's risk of SIDS.
When you stop smoking:
- Your baby gets more oxygen, even after just 1 day.
- Your baby will grow better.
- You will be less likely to develop heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, lung disease and other smoking-related diseases.
Risks for you:
- Ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside of the uterus)
- Problems with the placenta
- Problems with your thyroid
- Water breaking too early
Risks for the fetus:
- Delayed growth
- Higher chance of being born too early
- Permanent brain and lung damage
- Higher risk of stillbirth
Risks for your newborn:
- Smaller size at birth
- Colic with uncontrollable crying
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Development of obesity and asthma during childhood