Smoking During Pregnancy Can Cause Miscarriage

Smoking during pregnancy can cause miscarriage is also well known to be associated with many adverse maternal and fetal outcomes including intrauterine fetal demise, stillbirth, fetal growth restriction, birth defects and other major disabilities. Smoking is also associated with failed implantation. poor quality gametes (sperm/egg) and, biochemical pregnancy loss in women having IVF. Periconception smoking has recently been reported (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019;220:588) to be associated with a higher risk of congenital birth defects including neural tube defects with associated central nervous system abnormalities and other fetal malformations including limb reduction, cleft palate and gastrointestinal defects.

Nicotine is associated with decreased ovarian reserve, infertility, ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages. Nicotine is also associated with many other complications of pregnancy including preterm labor and delivery, small for gestational age babies with attendant brain and lung damage. The answer to when to stop smoking is: Now.

If you are trying to conceive or are pregnant, you should quit, no matter how difficult it is. The health benefits are well worth it. If you have questions, please contact us. We are here for you.

Other helpful blogs on smoking and it’s effects on fertility:
Infertility and Early Menopause Linked to Smoking
Stopping Smoking Prior to Attempting to Conceive