This article goes over the hidden dangers to your unborn child if you smoke during pregnancy.

The child of a mother who smokes during pregnancy is at risk for a long list of harmful effects. While any one particular baby will probably not develop all of the known problems, a mother who smokes while pregnant is almost guaranteeing at least a few of them. There are far too many known risks, even though there have not been a tremendous amount of studies performed, amazing as that sounds. There is a large disconnect between what we know about the potential risks and what potential mothers are aware of. It is extremely important for women to know what the possibilities are if they smoke while pregnant. Keep reading to learn about just a few of the known risks of smoking while pregnant.

It is common knowledge that when you smoke so does your baby.

You and your baby get hundreds of chemicals with each inhale. Stop smoking now. Formaldehyde is just one of the hundreds of chemicals that are put into cigarettes.

There is an interesting trend among babies of smoking mothers. These babies have higher heart rates than babies whose mothers don't smoke. Women who smoke have babies with a heart rate that is approximately 30% higher. This statistic applies to women who smoke during pregnancy. The exact cause of this condition is difficult to know. Smoking can prevent the baby from receiving the normal amount of oxygen which could be part of the cause.

A significant number of low birth weight babies are blamed on the mothers addiction to nicotine during pregnancy there are many additional risks too. Low birth weight plus premature birth carry potential for associated high risks. Just some of the additional risks include mental retardation, learning disabilities, and cerebral palsy. Of course the most serious possibility, and one that is recognized, is infant death. There is no way around it, smoking during pregnancy is bad. It is like the unborn child doesn't even have a chance when the smoke is thrust upon him or her. Your baby will still be affected if you are nursing after pregnancy because the nicotine settles in breast milk too. The decision to quit is up to you if you are smoking and pregnant get the facts and finally quit. Seek the help of your doctor so you can find a way to quit, no matter how hard it is for you.