But the body's protective system is severely limited when the mother smokes. In November, Californians will vote on the California Children and Families Initiative, which includes teaching young women who are pregnant about the negative effects of smoking. It will also provide smoking cessation assistance to pregnant women. Babies of smoking women average six ounces less than babies of nonsmoking women. This is caused by nicotine from the cigarettes restricting blood vessels and breathing movements.
Studies show a direct link between smoking during pregnancy and spontaneous abortion and stillbirth.
Babies run a greater risk of dying from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Children experience more respiratory infections while young. As they reach adulthood, they develop asthma and chronic bronchial inflammation. Smoking increases your risk of an unhealthy pregnancy. Smoking increases the likelihood of increased intrauterine bleeding, abnormal implantation of the fetus, premature delivery and the premature rupture of the protective membranes surrounding the fetus.