A third of pregnant women continue smoking in full gestation
The care of a child begins long before it is born. From the moment in which the future receives the good news, pregnancy, her lifestyle adapts to the new situation. Improvements in diet, goodbye to alcohol and leaving aside the tobacco These are just some of the recommendations that specialists give to women in pregnancy.
Are these tips put into practice? Not in all cases, at least it is clear from the publication 'Prevention of Smoking'carried out by the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery, SEPAR. A report in which it is made clear that part of pregnant women in Spain considers false the idea that tobacco during pregnancy is a serious problem.
Omission of risks
More chances of premature delivery, less birth weight, increased risk of cardiac malformations, behavior problems or hearing difficulties. These are just some of the risks of smoking during pregnancy. There are few studies that endorse these conclusions and that lead to specialists recommend parents say goodbye to smoking during pregnancy, both passively and actively.
However, as indicated in this report, these risks are minimized by parents during pregnancy. While there is a great literature surrounding the risks of tobacco during pregnancy, the 30% of pregnant women in Spain continues smoking while waiting for her son. In most cases believing that they can reduce the number of cigarettes a day when reality shows that the recommended number is 0.
In fact, the recommendation is that after childbirth parents continue betting on a smoke-free environment to avoid the effects of tobacco on children. Postnatal exposure to cigarettes is a cause of the increase in respiratory infections, otitis media of repetition and an increased risk of developing asthma. Dangers that become more frequent in the first years of life given the amount of hours the baby spends at home.
These dangers are also underestimated by parents, for this reason it is necessary to raise awareness about the importance of creating a healthy sphere both for the pregnant woman and for the children, once they are born. Those responsible for this report point out that not only must one think of passive smoking as direct exposure to smoke.
The toxic particles and other carcinogens they remain attached to the air of the home or in the polco that covers surfaces such as furniture or other household items. Skin, clothing and even people's hair are also impregnated with these elements that end up coming into contact with the child, who can breathe them or internalize them through their dermis.
Educate smoke free
Given this situation, the need to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco in the home, both for pregnant women and for the little ones, becomes evident. Those pregnant mothers and smokers who have problems in abandoning this habit should consult about psychosocial interventions that allow them to know the best methods to say goodbye to this addiction.
Smoking parents can also request help from their children's pediatrician, who can become an educator on the effect of tobacco for them. The parents must inform about the consumption of this product in the home and analyze the effects that the presence of smoke has on the smallest.
At home you should opt for a space free of smoke and increase hygiene in areas such as hands after the use of cigarettes. In the environment, a motivational environment and reinforcement of positive attitudes must prevail.
Damián Montero
