Pregnancy is a time of profound responsibility, a period when a mother’s every choice directly impacts the health and development of the new life growing inside her. While many harmful habits are well-known, the act of smoking during pregnancy remains a significant public health concern. The chemicals in cigarette smoke are not stopped by the placenta; they cross over and directly affect the unborn baby, turning the mother’s womb from a sanctuary into a hostile environment.

This article will serve as a comprehensive guide to the severe and often long-lasting harmful effects of smoking during pregnancy. We will explore how the toxins in cigarettes impact fetal development, increase the risk of serious health complications, and affect a child’s health long after birth. Our goal is to provide clear, science-backed information that highlights the critical importance of quitting smoking for the well-being of both mother and baby.


