Kiambu District Hospital Medical Superintendent (MS) has cautioned women against smoking while they are expectant as it puts their unborn babies at risk.
Speaking on Thursday at his office, Dr James Kariuki said smoking while one was expectant not only puts the mother’s health at risk but also the health of the unborn baby.
He said that cigarettes contained many harmful chemicals such as nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide and therefore when an expectant woman smokes, her baby gets all the toxins that have entered into the mother’s blood stream, which is the baby’s sole source of oxygen and nutrients.
The MS noted that there were many complications that can occur due to smoking while pregnant such as premature delivery, low birth weight, still births and miscarriages.
Dr Kariuki said smoking while expectant can put the baby at a risk of developing respiratory problems, birth defects and may also increase the baby’s heart rate.
“Expectant mothers should also refrain from being in an environment where there are smokers as being a passive smoker will also affect the health of the unborn baby,” said Dr Kariuki.
The doctor said that by being exposed to second hand smoking, a pregnant woman may get the same complications as she would if she was smoking herself as the harmful substances she will inhale are more dangerous than those inhaled by the actual smoker.
The MS added that to keep their unborn babies safe, expectant women should not smoke or drink caffeinated beverages as they may stimulate an urge to smoke.
He urged expectant mothers to designate their homes as no-smoking areas and to avoid places where many people tend to smoke such as clubs and bars.