Health promotion smoking during pregnancy Essay

Health promotion smoking during pregnancy - Essay Example When the pregnant mother inhales chemicals such as nicotine and carbon monoxide, they pass into the placenta. The placenta connects the mother to the baby and carries oxygen and nutrients to the baby. Therefore when the mother smokes the poisons, she prevents the unborn baby from getting nutrients and oxygen which are essential to ensure proper growth of the baby. Smoking during pregnancy has been associated with poverty, low education, psychological illness and poor support from those around the pregnant mother (Lumley, Chamberlain and Downswell 2009). A mother who smokes cigarettes increases the carbon monoxide that is in the bloodstream. This reduces the oxygen that is being availed to the baby. According to the American Lung Association, it estimates that 20% of low-birth weight babies, 10% of infant deaths and 14% of premature deliveries are caused by smoking by the mothers during pregnancy. Smoking during pregnancy leads to placenta complications where by the placenta moves and covers the cervix. This prevents the cervix from opening and hence delivery of the baby. This condition is known as placenta Previa. Mothers who smoke have a high risk of developing this complication during their pregnancy period. This condition leads to abnormal fetal growth (Harper, Odibo and MacOnes 2010). Great Britain is one of the countries in the United Kingdom which has recorded a high number of cigarette smokers. According to a report by Tobacco Advisory Group in Royal college, in 1948 the percentage of women smokers in Great Britain was 41%.This rose to 45% in the 1960’s.Statistics in England showed that in the year 2006, 32% of all expectant mothers smoked just before or during pregnancy. Women who are socially disadvantaged are likely to smoke during pregnancy. Pregnant women who smoke pose a threat to the health of their children. In United Kingdom maternal smoking has led to high rate of infant mortality. It has also led to