Pregnancy and Smoking: The Real Cost Beyond Birth

This episode of Cracking Addiction delivers a powerful, evidence-packed message on how smoking profoundly impacts reproductive health, pregnancy, and the lifelong wellbeing of children. Dr. Ferghal Armstrong takes viewers beyond the commonly known risks of cancer and lung disease, diving deep into the lesser-discussed but critically important topic of tobacco’s effects on fertility, fetal development, and transgenerational health.Through compelling research and clinical insight, the video outlines how smoking reduces fertility in both men and women, accelerates ovarian aging, and increases the risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and birth defects. Listeners will learn about the dangerous chemicals—like nicotine and carbon monoxide—that cross the placenta, causing fetal hypoxia, impaired growth, and even structural abnormalities like cleft palate or limb defects.The episode doesn’t stop at birth. It highlights how prenatal tobacco exposure can alter brain development, leading to ADHD, behavioural issues, and poor academic outcomes. It even shows how smoking can reprogram genes epigenetically, raising the risk for diabetes, hypertension, and obesity in adulthood.Importantly, this video is a call to action for healthcare providers and families alike. It emphasises that quitting smoking—especially early in pregnancy—can dramatically reduce these risks. You’ll also get key clinical strategies for effective smoking cessation, secondhand smoke management, and partner involvement.If you’re a parent, healthcare provider, or planning a family, this video is a must-watch. Share it with anyone who needs to hear the truth about smoking and pregnancy.Chapters:00:00 – Smoking harms babies even before pregnancy begins00:37 – Smoking’s impact on female fertility and conception01:05 – Effects of smoking on male reproductive health01:30 – The dangers of smoking during pregnancy02:10 – How smoking leads to low birth weight and placenta damage02:34 – Birth defects linked to maternal smoking02:49 – Nicotine’s effects on fetal brain development03:14 – Smoking and risk of SIDS03:37 – Secondhand smoke and infant health04:00 – Long-term epigenetic consequences of smoking04:22 – Smoking cessation during pregnancy: why it works04:48 – Key clinical tips for healthcare providers05:17 – Don’t forget the partner and postnatal phase05:33 – Counseling even before pregnancy is crucial05:50 – Final takeaway: smoking is a transgenerational risk

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