Smoking and other forms of tobacco are harmful to your baby-to-be as well. If you smoke, the sooner you stop, the greater your chances are for a healthy pregnancy. Smoking during pregnancy can increase the risks of:

• Premature birth: Being born premature is the leading cause of neonatal death. It also increases the potential for problems with learning disabilities, mental retardation, and other problems.

• Placenta previa: When the placenta covers parts or your entire cervix, you and your baby are at a greater risk of death from hemorrhage. It also necessitates a cesarean delivery for the birth.

• Placental abruption: An abruption of the placenta means that it tears off the wall of the uterus. If not delivered immediately the baby will die and you may hemorrhage as well.

• Breathing problems: Both immediately and throughout life, breathing problems like asthma are greater in children whose parents smoked during pregnancy or children who are exposed to secondhand smoke after they are born.

• General illness: Babies of smokers are more likely to have ear infections, upper respiratory infections, and are at a greater risk of dying from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Smoking, and secondhand smoke as well, is a very serious matter. It is in your best interests and those of your baby-to-be to quit smoking in the planning phases. It's also helpful if your partner quits with you. Soon, you'll find even your health is better!