Smokin & Pregnant Women in Society

Smoking is not good for anyone especially pregnant women and a unborn child. Smoking causes cancers, cardiovascular issues, and can lead to death. For pregnant women can cause additional problems miscarriage, abruptio placentae (premature separation from the uterus, causing massive bleeding lead to death and complications for the mother), low birth weight, birth defects, and premature births. According to the CDC smoking during and after pregnancy puts the baby at risk for Sudden Infant Syndrome (SIDS). According to the 2011 Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System (PRAMS) data from 24 states. Approximately 10% of women reported smoking during the last 3 months of pregnancy.Of women who smoked 3 months before pregnancy, 55% quit during pregnancy. Among women who quit smoking during pregnancy, 40% relapsed within 6 months after delivery (CDC, 2014).

I find it hard to believe that their are no law set in place to protect unborn babies and the risk of second hand smoke. I think as health care professionals it is our duty to advocate for those who can't find for themselves such as babies and children who have no choice in the matter. In my hometown in Toledo, Ohio it's illegal to drive and text as well as not wearing a seat belt. But no laws set in place to ban smoking in cars with kids when evidence proves that 2nd hand smoking is probably more dangerous that 1st hand smoking. They also banned smoking in public areas mainly restaurants, I remember when they first made these laws it was a big deal. But now that time has passed it's just a norm now. So I can see smoking in cars with kids to be banned in the near future. As far as pregnant women smoking that still is mind blowing I believe it's your choice to take part in but not when it's putting in unborn child in immediate jeopardy.

REFRENCE

OpenStax College, Anatomy & Physiology. OpenStax College. 19 June 2013. < http://cnx.org/content/col11496/latest/>.

CDC. (2014 Aug. 5).Tobacco Use and...