Smoking is generally considered as one of the most serious public health problems in Europe and the US. Pregnancy is a time of significant change and growth, both emotionally and physically. It's a period when every decision an expectant mother makes can profoundly affect the health of her unborn child. One of the most harmful decisions a pregnant woman can make is to smoke. Many people try to quit smoking, but still approximately 10% of women report that they continue to smoke during pregnancy, despite the known risks, according to WHO, the World Health Organization. This article explores the implications of smoking during pregnancy and the potential risks it presents to both the mother and the baby.

 

How Does Smoking Affect the Pregnant Body?

Cigarettes contain thousands of chemicals, including nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide, which can have detrimental effects on fetal development. When a pregnant woman smokes:

• Reduced Oxygen Supply: The carbon monoxide from the smoke binds with the hemoglobin in the blood, reducing the amount of oxygen available to the baby.
• Toxin Exposure: The harmful chemicals in cigarettes can cross the placental barrier, exposing the fetus to toxins.
• Increased Heart Rate: Nicotine can elevate the baby's heart rate, putting undue stress on their developing cardiovascular system.
• Potential Complications from Smoking During Pregnancy

The consequences of smoking while pregnant can be dire, resulting in complications such as:

• Preterm Birth: Smoking doubles the chances of giving birth prematurely, leading to potential health issues for the baby, including respiratory and developmental problems.
• Low Birth Weight: Babies born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy are, on average, 150-200 grams lighter than those born to non-smokers.
• Respiratory Issues: There's an increased risk of the child developing asthma or other respiratory complications later in life.
• Placental Problems: Smoking increases the risk of complications with the placenta, like placenta previa (where the placenta covers the cervix) or placental abruption (where the placenta separates from the uterus).
• Increased Risk of SIDS: Babies born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy have a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

The Long-term Impact of smoking on the Child

• Beyond birth, the repercussions of maternal smoking continue. Children exposed to smoking in utero have an increased likelihood of:
• Behavioral Issues: There's a higher risk of hyperactivity and attention-deficit disorders.
• Cognitive Delays: These children may experience challenges with learning and academic achievements.
• Addiction: They have a higher predisposition to nicotine addiction in their teenage years or adulthood.

Nicotine Pouches and Pregnancy

Over the last ten years, many people in Europe and the US has started using nicotine pouches as a way to quit smoking.

Nicotine pouches are often marketed as safer alternatives to smoking, primarily because they eliminate the inhalation of many toxic chemicals found in cigarette smoke. However, they are not without risk. Nicotine pouches still contain nicotine, which is an addictive and harmful substance. Here are some potential risks associated with nicotine consumption:

• Nicotine Exposure: The primary concern with nicotine pouches is the nicotine itself. Nicotine can narrow blood vessels, potentially restricting the oxygen and nutrients the fetus receives.
• Premature Birth & Low Birth Weight: Like smoking, there's evidence to suggest that nicotine exposure from pouches can lead to premature birth and low birth weight.
• Potential Developmental Impact: Chronic nicotine exposure can potentially affect brain development, leading to behavioral and cognitive challenges later in life.

Comparing Smoking with nicotine pouches during pregnancy

While both smoking and using nicotine pouches expose the fetus to nicotine's harmful effects, smoking is notably more dangerous due to the multitude of additional toxins inhaled.

Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals, many of which are toxic and carcinogenic. When compared to smoking, nicotine pouches eliminate the inhalation of tar and many toxicants, but the nicotine itself still presents risks:

Greater Toxin Exposure with Smoking: Smoking exposes the user to a greater range of toxins than nicotine pouches. This includes carcinogens and carbon monoxide, which can further reduce oxygen supply to the fetus.

Placental Complications: Smoking can lead to complications with the placenta, such as placenta previa or placental abruption, both of which can be life-threatening.

A comprehensive study made in the US on Smoking and Pregnancy, found that the risks associated with smoking during pregnancy, including ectopic pregnancies, orofacial clefts in infants, and placental complications, were considerably higher than with other forms of nicotine intake.

What about using low Strength Nicotine Pouches During Pregnancy?

Using low strength nicotine pouches instead of regular or strong pouches will expose your body to a lower amount of nicotine and as such be less riskful. However, the nicotine itself remains a significant concern. 

• Even in lower strengths, nicotine pouches deliver nicotine to the system.
• Not Entirely Safe: It's crucial to remember that "reduced harm" does not equate to "safe." The potential risks associated with nicotine are still present.

Are nicotine pouches a Better Choice?

From a harm reduction perspective, low strength nicotine pouches may pose fewer risks than smoking during pregnancy because of the absence of the multitude of toxicants present in cigarette smoke. However, this does not make them a "good" or "safe" choice. Ideally, complete abstinence from nicotine in any form is the best approach during pregnancy to ensure the health of both the mother and the child.

Recommendation: The ideal approach during pregnancy is complete abstinence from all forms of nicotine. However, if a mother is struggling to quit smoking, transitioning to nicotine pouches may reduce some of the risks associated with tobacco combustion, though it's essential to aim for full cessation.

In conclusion, while low strength nicotine pouches might present fewer risks than traditional cigarettes, they are not without concerns. Pregnant individuals should consult with healthcare professionals about nicotine and tobacco product use to make informed decisions.

Conclusion

Smoking during pregnancy isn't just a personal choice; it's a decision that can drastically impact another life. Quitting smoking before or during pregnancy is one of the best ways a mother can protect the health of her child. If you or someone you know is struggling with smoking during pregnancy, seek help immediately. Numerous resources and support groups are available to guide expectant mothers towards a healthier, smoke-free life for themselves and their children.