Neither the presence of children nor their age affects whether or not homes are kept smoke-free. In smoker's homes, an average of 18 cigarettes a day are smoked. In only 1 in 5 of these households are cigarettes not smoked directly in front of children. Smokers are more likely to have mainly smokers in their social circle, and their children are more likely to be in contact with these smoking friends and relatives than are the children of non-smokers. Impact of mothers' smoking on the fetus Maternal smoking can affect the fetus and the outcome of the pregnancy.
Smoking deprives the fetus of needed oxygen and other nutrients.
Research into this area is still incomplete, and the full effects are still unknown. What we do know is that the best chance for a healthy baby and healthy mother is a pregnancy where both are not exposed to any tobacco smoke. What's in second-hand smoke Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 substances, of which more than 40 are known to cause cancer. 2-nitropropane, ethylcarbamate, hydrazine. Even if smoking is restricted to a single room, the harmful constituents of cigarette smoke can be dispersed throughout the house.