
Some pregnant women smoke because they think it is harmless. They don't think their baby will be effected by the chemicals and smoke from smoking cigarettes. They have heard the risks, but they don't take things seriously. Pregnant women should maintain a healthy diet and be careful what chemicals they handle. No pregnant woman should ever smoke any substance. Pregnancy is a chance to bring another life into the world. It should be regarded as a blessing and should be treated as an important task. Sadly I have seen pregnant women smoke and drink alcohol, and I have heard of some pregnant women using drugs. If you aren't ready to handle the responsibility then take precautions. If you accidentally get pregnant think of the life inside of you. Don't be selfish.
Mom's smoking alters fetal DNA
A study of over 6,000 mothers and their newborn children -- one of the largest studies of its kind -- solidifies the evidence that smoking cigarettes while pregnant chemically modifies a fetus' DNA, mirroring patterns seen in adult smokers. The researchers also identify new development-related genes affected by smoking. The work suggests a potential explanation for the link between smoking during pregnancy and health complications in children. Ref.
Effects of maternal smoking continue long after birth
Early exposure to nicotine can trigger widespread genetic changes that affect formation of connections between brain cells long after birth, a new study has found. The finding helps explains why maternal smoking has been linked to behavioral changes such as attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, addiction and conduct disorder. Ref. Source 9i.