Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, premature birth and more. Secondhand smoke also increases your baby's risk of developing lung cancer, heart diseases, emphysema, asthma, allergies and SIDS. Read more: Smoking During Pregnancy Article
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Stages of Pregnancy: Week by Week
See pictures on the various stages of pregnancy. See and learn what changes a woman's body goes through and view fetal images of...
-
16 Early Signs & Symptoms of Pregnancy: Could You Be Pregnant?
What are the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy? Can you know before your missed period? Read about nausea and vomiting...
-
What Not to Eat When Pregnant Pictures: Alcohol, Fish, Fruit Juice, Sushi
Do you know which common foods may be risky during pregnancy? Learn which foods to avoid, while pregnant, such as queso dip,...
-
Lung Cancer Risks: Myths and Facts
Learn about lung cancer myths and facts. Explore how cigar smoke, menthol, and pollution can increase your risk of lung cancer...
-
Smoking: See What Happens to Your Body When You Quit
You know that smoking is bad for your health. But did you know that your health starts to improve within a half hour of quitting?...
-
How to Quit Smoking: 13 Tips to End Addiction
Quitting smoking is a great way to improve your health. Learn tips and techniques to quit smoking and kick the cigarette habit...
-
Pregnancy Myths and Facts Quiz
Being pregnant is a delicate time for both mother and baby. Take this pregnancy myths and facts quiz to separate the myths and...
-
Am I Pregnant? Test Your Early Pregnancy IQ
What are early pregnancy symptoms? In some women, symptoms range from a missed period to feeling lightheaded. Others may...
-
Smoking Quiz: How to Quit Smoking
You know it's time you quit smoking. Learn the myths and facts about quitting smoking with the Smoking Quiz. When it comes to...
-
Smoking: How E-cigarettes and Vaping Affect Your Body
You may think that vaping and e-cigarettes are safer than tobacco use, but that doesn't mean they're without risk. Find out how...
-
Effects of Secondhand Smoke: Facts
The effects of secondhand smoke can be hazardous to your health. Secondhand smoke can lead to lung cancer, heart disease, and...
SLIDESHOW
Effects of Secondhand Smoke: Facts See SlideshowRelated Disease Conditions
-
24 Early Pregnancy Symptoms and Signs
Pregnancy symptoms can vary from woman to woman, and not all women experience the same symptoms. When women do experience pregnancy symptoms they may include symptoms include missed menstrual period, mood changes, headaches, lower back pain, fatigue, nausea, breast tenderness, and heartburn. Signs and symptoms in late pregnancy include leg swelling and shortness of breath. Options for relief of pregnancy symptoms include exercise, diet, and other lifestyle changes.
-
PMS vs. Pregnancy: Differences and Similarities
Many women have difficulty figuring out if they are pregnant, have PMS, or are about to start their period. The most common signs and symptoms of early pregnancy, PMS, and the start of your period include mood swings, back pain, increased urination, and tender breasts. These three conditions also share other similar signs and symptoms, but there are unique differences between each. Moreover, there are symptoms that only occur if you are pregnant. Early pregnancy symptoms, PMS, and the start of the menstrual period all have common signs and symptoms like mood swings, back pain, and breast pain. Symptoms and signs between the three conditions that may seem similar, but are slightly different include the following: Pelvic or abdominal cramping before or during your menstrual period is normal; however, the cramping of early pregnancy is mild. If you are pregnant, nausea and vomiting, or morning sickness, is common. They are not common symptoms of PMS. Fatigue is common in both, but PMS usually goes away once your period begins. Food cravings or aversions to certain foods are common in both pregnancy and PMS, but if you are pregnant, the cravings or aversions to foods are more specific and intense. You may have spotting or bleeding if you are pregnant or suffering from PMS. When the embryo inserts itself into the uterus (implantation bleeding), you may mistake it as your menstrual period. However, implantation bleeding is much lighter (not enough to soak a pad or tampon) than the heaving bleeding experienced at the beginning of your period. Signs and symptoms that you may have only if you are pregnant include, implantation cramping and bleeding, a white, milky vaginal discharge, and your areolas or nipples darken. The only way to find out if you are pregnant is with a pregnancy test. Home pregnancy test kits are available without a prescription at pharmacies and most grocery stores. Contact a doctor or other health care professional if you think you may be pregnant.
-
Healthy Living and Disease Prevention
The importance of a healthy lifestyle in disease prevention is widely understood and most people know that lifestyle changes and choices can be critical to good health. Learn about healthy behaviors that constitute healthy living.
-
Heartburn
Heartburn is a burning sensation experienced from acid reflux (GERD). Symptoms of heartburn include chest pain, burning in the throat, difficulty swallowing, the feeling of food sticking in the throat, and a burning feeling in the chest. Causes of heartburn include dietary habits, lifestyle habits, and medical causes. Treatments for heartburn include lifestyle changes, OTC medication,prescription medication, and surgery.
-
Pregnancy (Week by Week, Trimesters)
Signs and symptoms of pregnancy vary by stage (trimester). The earliest pregnancy symptom is typically a missed period, but others include breast swelling and tenderness, nausea and sometimes vomiting, fatigue, and bloating. Second trimester symptoms include backache, weight gain, itching, and possible stretch marks. Third trimester symptoms are additional weight gain, heartburn, hemorrhoids, swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face, breast tenderness, and trouble sleeping. Eating a healthy diet, getting a moderate amount of exercise, also are recommended for a healthy pregnancy. Information about the week by week growth of your baby in the womb are provided.
-
Hookahs vs. Cigarette Smoking (Addiction and Health Dangers)
A hookah is a water pipe that's used to smoke flavored tobacco like watermelon, licorice, coconut, chocolate, cherry, mint, apple, and cappuccino. The use of this type of tobacco smoking began in ancient India and Persia centuries ago. You can find hookah cafes all over the world, for example, the U.S., France, Russia, Britain, and the Middle East. New forms of electronic hookah are now available. Some people who smoke tobacco think that hookahs are less dangerous to their health because the smoke is filtered through water, but the smoke from hookahs contain the same cancer-causing chemicals that cigarette smoke does. Smoking tobacco via cigarettes or hookah are both dangerous to your health.
-
Larynx Cancer (Throat Cancer)
Symptoms and signs of cancer of the larynx, the organ at the front of the neck, include hoarseness, a lump in the neck, sore throat, cough, problems breathing, bad breath, earache, and weight loss. Treatment for larynx cancer depends on the stage (the extent) of the disease. Radiation therapy, surgery, and chemotherapy are all forms of treatment for laryngeal cancer.
-
Care Before and During Pregnancy--Prenatal Care
Second Source article from Government
-
Pregnancy Planning (Tips)
Pregnancy planning is an important step in preparation for starting or expanding a family. Planning for a pregnancy includes taking prenatal vitamins, eating healthy for you and your baby, disease prevention (for both parents and baby) to prevent birth defects and infections, avoiding certain medications that may be harmful to your baby, how much weight gain is healthy exercise safety and pregnancy, travel during pregnancy.
-
Getting Pregnant (Tips for Trying to Conceive)
Trying to get conceive, or become pregnant can be challenging, frustrating, and an emotional rollercoaster for some couples. A couple can chart their progress, which may ultimately lead to a successful healthy pregnancy, or, when necessary, lead to discussions with a fertility specialist.
-
Doula vs. Midwife
A midwife and doula are not the same thing. A doula's job is to provide non-medical, emotional, and personal support to a woman throughout her pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum experience. A certified nurse midwife is a medical health care professional that manages the overall general health of the mother and baby; for example, performs exams, orders laboratory tests, and procedures, and performs fetal monitoring from the pregnant woman's first prenatal visit to post-partum and aftercare. A midwife can deliver the baby, whereas a doula cannot. A midwife usually tries to minimize the use of unnecessary technological interventions. A midwife cannot perform C-sections, use vacuums or forceps during labor and delivery.
-
How to Stop Snoring
Snoring, like all other sounds, is caused by vibrations that cause particles in the air to form sound waves. While we are asleep, turbulent air flow can cause the tissues of the nose and throat to vibrate and give rise to snoring. Any person can snore. Snoring is believed to occur in anywhere from 30% of women to over 45% of men. People who snore can have any body type. In general, as people get older and as they gain weight, snoring will worsen. Snoring can be caused by a number of things, including the sleep position, alcohol, medication, anatomical structure of the mouth and throat, stage of sleep, and mouth breathing.
-
Atrial Flutter: ECG, Symptoms, and Treatments
Atrial flutter is a problem with the atria of the heart. In atrial flutter the atria of the heart rapidly and repeatedly beat due to an anomaly in the electrical system of the heart. It is a type of arrhythmia and can be dangerous because complications can develop easily. Signs and symptoms of atrial flutter include near fainting, palpitations, mild shortness of breath, and fatigue. While the exact cause of atrial flutter is not clearly understood, it's most likely related to your health, what medical conditions you certainly have, poor diet, lack of exercise, and drinking too much alcohol. Atrial flutter is diagnosed by physical examination, medical history, and a sawtooth ECG wave pattern.
-
Does Drinking Water Flush Nicotine Out of Your System?
Nicotine is water-soluble, so drinking water will help flush out any lingering traces. Water helps flush nicotine and other chemicals out of your body.
-
Miscarriage
Miscarriage is the medical term for the spontaneous loss of pregnancy from conception to 20 weeks gestation. Risk factors for a woman having a miscarriage include cigarette smoking, older maternal age, radiation exposure, previous miscarriage, maternal weight, illicit drug use, use of NSAIDs, and trauma or anatomical abnormalities to the uterus. There are five classified types of miscarriage: 1) threatened abortion; 2) incomplete abortion; 3) complete abortion; 4) missed abortion; and (5 septic abortion. While there are no specific treatments to stop a miscarriage, a woman's doctor may advise avoiding certain activities, bed rest, etc. If a woman believes she has had a miscarriage, she needs to seek prompt medical attention.
-
Smoking (How to Quit Smoking)
Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or "passive smoke" also harm family members, coworkers, and others around smokers. There are a number of techniques available to assist people who want to quit smoking.
-
Smoker's Lung: Pathology Photo Essay
Smoker's lung photo essay is a collection of pictures and microscopic slides of lung disease caused by cigarette smoking. Smoker's lung refers to the diseases and structural abnormalities in the lung caused by cigarette smoking.
-
Snoring
Snoring is caused by the vibrations of the soft tissues at the back of the nose and throat while a person sleeps. There are many causes of snoring like being pregnant, allergies, asthma, colds, the flu, excess alcohol, some medications, smoking, and sleep position. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that causes snoring and can be serious. Treatments to reduce or stop snoring include lifestyle changes, home remedies, antisnoring devices and aids, medical treatments, and at times, surgery.
-
Frostbite (Frostnip)
There are two categories of cold weather-related injuries. 1) no freezing of body tissue (trench foot and chilblains), and 2) freezing of body tissues (frostbite). Chilblains in general, will not need medical attention (unless there is infection). Trench foot and frostbite, however, require medical attention. Symptoms of frostbite include pain, burning, numbness, and eventually a complete loss of sensation in the affected body part. The young, elderly, and patients with certain medical conditions (diabetes, hypothyroidism, circulatory problems, and psychiatric illnesses), are more susceptible to cold weather-related injuries. People who abuse alcohol and illicit drug user are also at risk for cold weather-related injuries.
-
Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
Preeclampsia is a condition in pregnant women marked by high blood pressure and a high level of protein in the urine. Eclampsia occurs when preeclampsia goes untreated. Eclampsia can cause coma and death of the mother and baby. Preeclampsia symptoms include rapid weight gain, abdominal pain, headaches, blood in the urine, dizziness, and excessive vomiting and nausea. The only real cure for preeclampsia and eclampsia is the birth of the baby.
-
Vaping: e-Cigarette and Marijuana Vape Risks
Vaping or e-cigarettes are smokable products that use refillable or replaceable cartridges or containers that contain a liquid composed of nicotine, chemical flavors, and other compounds. The cartridges used during vaping contains nicotine, therefore vaping is addictive. In low doses vaping, can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In higher doses, vaping can cause more serious side effects like popcorn lung, seizures, coma, cancer, and death. The FDA regulates the manufacturing, import, packaging, labeling, advertising, promotion, sale, and distribution of electronic delivery systems like e-cigarettes.
-
What Are the Chances of Successful Pregnancy After Miscarriage?
Your body may require anywhere from a few weeks to over a month to recover from a miscarriage. The pregnancy hormones remain in your blood for up to two months. You should expect to get your period four to six weeks after miscarriage.
-
COPD vs. Emphysema
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is the term doctors and other healthcare professionals use to describe a group of serious, progressive (worsens over time), chronic lung diseases that include emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and sometimes asthma. The number one cause of COPD or emphysema, is smoking, and smoking is the third leading cause of death in the US.
-
Heartburn During Pregnancy
Heartburn during pregnancy is quite common. During pregnancy the lower esophageal sphincter muscle becomes weakened , which likely occurs due to the effect of the high levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy. Fortunately, this resolves after pregnancy. Management of heartburn during pregnancy are generally involves lifestyle changes and avoiding foods that promote heartburn, for example, don't smoke, avoid tight clothing, eat small, frequent meals, chew gum, or sip liquids.
-
Interstitial Lung Disease (Interstitial Pneumonia)
Interstitial lung disease refers to a variety of diseased that thicken the tissue between the lungs' air sacks. Symptoms of interstitial lung disease include shortness of breath, cough, and vascular problems, and their treatment depends on the underlying cause of the tissue thickening. Causes include viruses, bacteria, tobacco smoke, environmental factors, cancer, and heart or kidney failure.
-
Stillbirth (Stillborn Baby)
About 1% of pregnancies overall result in stillbirth, meaning that there are about 24,000 stillborn births each year in the U.S. A number of diseases and conditions as well as problems with the pregnancy or health of the mother can all be causes of stillbirth. The most common symptom of stillbirth is not feeling the baby moving or kicking.
-
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
The cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is unknown. The risk of SIDS peaks in infants 2-4 months of age. SIDS is more common among male infants, particularly African American and Native American infants, during the winter months. Putting the baby to sleep on his/her back, avoiding fluffy, loose bedding, using a firm mattress, and avoiding co-sleeping may help to prevent SIDS.
-
What Are the Effects of Secondhand Smoke?
Secondhand smoke can cause illness and disease in nonsmokers. Some of these conditions include lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory illnesses such as asthma, SIDS, bronchitis, and pneumonia. The best way to protect yourself and your family from secondhand smoke exposure is to not allow anyone to smoke in the home and to avoid being around smoke when outside the home.
-
Pregnancy Changes and Body Discomforts
Pregnancy can bring challenges like weight gain, stretch marks, varicose veins, heartburn, constipation, hemorrhoids, problems sleeping, and wondering if it is safe to have sex while pregnant. Learn how to manage and move through these challenges during pregnancy.
-
What Can I Drink to Stop Smoking?
For most smokers and tobacco users, tobacco cravings are overpowering, making quitting difficult. Certain foods and drinks can help when trying to quit smoking, but this alone may not help you quit completely. Fresh juices and ginseng tea may help reduce tobacco cravings.
-
How Does Preeclampsia Turn Into Eclampsia?
What is the difference between preeclampsia and eclampsia? How does preeclampsia turn into eclampsia?
-
Quit Smoking: 13 Ways to Resist Tobacco Cravings
For most tobacco users, tobacco cravings can be overpowering, but it is important not to succumb to these cravings. Although the cravings can feel intense and cause anxiety, they are temporary. With appropriate measures and a support system, with time, it is possible to permanently overcome the cravings and quit tobacco smoking or chewing.
-
Pregnancy and Drugs (Prescription and OTC)
Taking prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs or supplements should be discussed with your doctor. There are some medications that have been found to cause no problems in pregnancy, however, medications such as Accutane for acne, should never be taken during pregnancy.
-
What Happens When You Have Preeclampsia?
What is preeclampsia? Learn about preeclampsia and how it may affect your health during pregnancy.
-
Smoking and Heart Disease
Smoking increases the risk of heart disease in women and men. Nicotine in cigarettes decrease oxygen to the heart, increases blood pressure, blood clots, and damages coronary arteries. Learn how to quit smoking today, to prolong your life.
-
What Happens After You Quit Smoking: A Timeline
Smoking is a harmful habit that can lead to severe health complications and death. Quitting smoking and overcoming tobacco cravings require determination, self-discipline, and support.
-
Can the Flu Shot Harm My Unborn Baby?
Getting the flu shot will not harm your unborn baby at any stage of pregnancy. The flu shot is both safe and recommended to protect you and your baby from the virus. Don’t however, get the nasal spray vaccine, which is not recommended for pregnant women.
-
How Does Smoking Affect Lung Cancer?
Tobacco smoke is a complex mixture of gaseous and particulate substances, and many of these are potential carcinogens. More than 4000 individual components have been identified in cigarette smoke. Some of these are carcinogens (substances that contribute to the development of cancer), such as benzene and nitrosamines.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Prevention & Wellness
- Smoking During Pregnancy May Not Raise ADHD Risk in Kids After All
- Smoking Around Time of Conception May Harm Embryo
- Why Quitting Smoking Might Be a Bit Tougher for Women
- Kids Who Grew Up With Smokers Have Higher Odds for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- AHA News: Pregnant Mom's Diet May Influence Baby's Cardiovascular Health
- Vaping During Pregnancy Could Raise Odds for 'Preemie' Babies
- Even Secondhand Smoke in Pregnancy Might Raise Baby's Breathing Risks
- COVID Vaccination in Pregnancy May Pass Helpful Antibodies to Baby
- Too Much Pot During Pregnancy May Endanger Baby's Health
- Any Smoking, Drinking in Pregnancy Threatens Baby's Brain: Study
- New, Graphic Health Warnings Coming for U.S. Cigarette Packs
- Don't Wait, for Your Baby's Sake: Quit Smoking Before You're Pregnant
- Pregnant Moms Who Smoke, Drink Put Babies at Risk of SIDS: Study
- Smoking While Pregnant May Weaken Baby's Bones
- It May Be Even Tougher for Women to Quit Smoking Than Men
- No Marijuana During Pregnancy; Not Enough CBD Info: Surgeon General
- Lung Cancer Screening Can Detect Other Smoking Ills
- Are Hookahs Safer Than Cigarettes? Chemical Study Says No Way
- 40-Year Study Sees Steady Rise in Pregnant Women's Blood Pressure
- AHA News: Cigarette Smoke in Pregnancy May Impair Healing of Newborns' Hearts
- Number of American Smokers Who've Tried to Quit Has Stalled
- AHA News: Summer Heat Brings Special Health Risks for Pregnant Women
- Many Smokers Switch to Vaping While Pregnant, But Safety Issues Remain
- Pregnant? The Earlier You Quit Smoking, the Better
- Pot During Pregnancy May Raise Child's Psychosis Risk
- Smoking Around Expectant Moms Can Harm Babies' Hearts
- Smoking While Pregnant Sends SIDS Risk Soaring
- Meth, Opioid Use in Pregnancy on the Rise
- The Sooner You Quit Smoking, the Better
- Fewer Pregnant U.S. Women Smoke or Drink, But More Are Using Pot
- Air Pollutants Reach Placenta, Might Harm Fetus: Study
- Moms Who Smoked as Teens More Likely to Deliver Smaller Babies
- E-Cigarettes, Nicotine Patch During Pregnancy May Hike SIDS Risk
- Mom's Marijuana Winds Up in Breast Milk
- Smoking While Pregnant Could Harm Child's Breathing
- 1 in 14 Pregnant Women Still Smokes
- More Hardcore Smokers Trying to Kick the Habit
- 'Heat-Not-Burn Cigarettes' Aiming for U.S. Market
- Smoking on the Rise Among Pregnant Women With Depression
- Could Smoking in Pregnancy Affect a Grandkid's Autism Risk?
- Pot Smoking Common Among Pregnant Teens: Survey
- Tourette Threat Surges for Babies When Mom Smokes in Pregnancy
- Quitting Smoking While Pregnant: What Works
- Smoking in Pregnancy May Be Under-Reported
- Study Links Excess Pre-Pregnancy Weight, Smoking to Heavy Kids
- Smoking During Pregnancy Seems to Alter Fetal DNA, Study Finds
- Many U.S. Women Still Smoke Before, During Pregnancy: Report
- Mom-to-Be's Smoking Tied to Poorer Fitness in Sons
- E-Cigarettes May Pose a Risk in Pregnancy and to Children
- Fetal Faces Seem to React to Mom's Smoking
- Smoking During Pregnancy May Raise Diabetes Risk for Daughters: Study
- It Pays for Moms-to-Be to Stop Smoking
- More Kids Harmed by Drinking in Pregnancy Than Expected, Study Reports
- For Kids, Risks of Parental Smoking Persist Long-Term, Study Finds
- Clues to How Heavy Drinking in Pregnancy Harms Child's Brain
- Smoking While Pregnant Linked to ADHD in Children
- Health Tip: Quit Smoking, Especially While Pregnant
- Nicotine Patches Don't Help Pregnant Women Quit Smoking: Study
- Secondhand Smoke Linked to Miscarriage Risk
- Smoking in Pregnancy Tied to Later Nicotine Addiction in Daughters
- Infants Exposed to Smoking in Womb at Risk of Infections, Death: Study
- Smoking in Pregnancy May Be Tied to Bipolar Disorder in Adult Offspring: Study
- Smoking Plus Asthma in Pregnancy May Make for 'Dangerous Situation'
- Smoking During Pregnancy Tied to Behavior Issues in Kids
- For Pregnant Smokers, Vitamin C Might Help Babies' Lungs
- Smoking in Pregnancy Tied to Poor Reading Skills in Kids: Study
- Smoking During Pregnancy Tied to Extra Weight in Kids
- Secondhand Smoke in Pregnancy Seems to Harm Baby, Too
- Gestational Diabetes, Poverty Linked to ADHD
- Teen Obesity Linked to Mom's Smoking in Pregnancy: Study
- Mom's Smoking Tied to Dangerous Gut Illness in Preemies
- Health Tip: Secondhand Smoke is Dangerous
- Teens Whose Moms Smoked While Pregnant May Have Worse Asthma
- Cigarette Tax Hikes Curb Smoking in Pregnancy: Study
- States Use Only Fraction of Tobacco Revenues to Fight Smoking, Study Finds
- About 20% of White Women Smoke While Pregnant
- Prenatal Smoking Linked to High-Functioning Autism in Kids
- Smoke Exposure Late in Pregnancy Might Boost Baby's Eczema Risk
- Nicotine Patches Fail Most Pregnant Smokers
- Mom's Nicotine Patch May Raise Baby's Risk for Colic
- Smoking During Pregnancy Not Linked to Autism
- Smoking During Pregnancy May Damage Children's Blood Vessels
- Health Tip: The Risks of Smoking While Pregnant
- Secondhand Smoke Raises Stillbirth Risk
- Study Finds Smoking Linked to Breast Cancer Risk
From 
Smoking Cessation Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Subscribe to MedicineNet's Men's Health Newsletter
By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.