Maternal smoking during pregnancy can lead to dire consequences for the health of the child (as in the physiological, and in mental terms). This applies to all systems in the body. Cardiovascular diseases – in children of mothers who smoke, there is a strengthening of the arteries and, accordingly, the risk of atherosclerosis increases           

Gastrointestinal tract – the risk of developing colic in babies of mothers who smoke is 2 times higher than that of nonsmokers. This is due to an increase in the concentration of motilin in the blood plasma. Motilin is an intestinal protein involved in the regulation of the functions of the gastrointestinal tract. Elevated motilin levels can cause acidic stomach contents to back up into the esophagus. An increase in the concentration of motilin in the blood can manifest itself as painful intestinal spasms.

Circulatory system – the risk of developing leukemia and lymphoma.

Respiratory system – risk of asthma. Researchers from the University of Southern California found that in children whose mothers and grandmothers smoked, the risk of asthma increases 1.3 times – this is despite the fact that only the mother smoked, 1.8 times – if only the grandmother smoked, and 2.6 times times – if both mother and grandmother smoked during pregnancy.

The immune system is a frequent occurrence of respiratory diseases (ARVI, ARI, influenza, etc.). Scientists at the University of Perten in Western Australia measured the concentration of several important proteins in the immune system in children. They found in children exposed to nicotine in utero a significant deficiency of 2 substances that are responsible for the creation of acquired immunity to allergens found in the environment.  

Cancer – in children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy, the incidence of brain tumors was 1.3 times higher. The risk of astrocytoma was most associated with maternal smoking.

Obesity – The risk of being overweight is almost 3 times higher among children whose mothers smoked in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Mental abnormalities – retarded development of intellectual and emotional development, Phil’s Fidget Syndrome (hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention). It also has a lower IQ.

So, for the birth of a healthy child, you need to get rid of this addiction, and the sooner the better. Your child’s health depends only on you!