Constant studies have been alerted about the consumption of tobacco and its side effects. A recent case has again drawn attention to this aspect. A shocking incident has come to light from Gujarat where a newborn baby had to be shifted to emergency soon after birth as the baby's body was turning blue and was not responding normally. It was found in the medical reports that the amount of nicotine in the infant was very high due to which such unexpected symptoms were visible in him.
Doctors found that the cause of high levels of nicotine in the child's bloodstream was the mother's addiction to chewing tobacco. The report showed that the level of nicotine in the child at birth was 60 ng/ml, which can be about 3000 times higher than the normal level of nicotine in adults, it is harmful to health in many ways.
Mother used to consume tobacco for a long time
The medical team probing the matter found that the mother was suffering from asthma. He also had the habit of chewing tobacco. The shocking thing is that the woman used to consume pouch tobacco-gutkha about 10-15 times a day, due to which the level of nicotine in the unborn child increased significantly through the bloodstream. According to the medical reports, the woman told that she was consuming tobacco since the age of 15.
After five days of treatment, the child's symptoms improved and he was discharged from the hospital.
What do gynecologists say?
To understand how a woman's habit of tobacco smoking can be harmful to her child, we contacted Dr. Vinita Nirula, a Specialist in Gynecology at a Noida-based hospital.
Dr. Vineeta explains cases of serious side effects in the child from the mother who consumes smoking-alcohol have been reported in the past, keeping in mind that everyone is advised to stay away from smoking and alcohol. Women who smoke have been seen to have a higher risk of miscarriage than others.
Damage caused by smoking
Women who smoke have more difficulty getting pregnant and in many cases are at a higher risk of never getting pregnant, explains Dr Vineeta. In addition, smoking during pregnancy can cause tissue damage in the baby, especially the lungs and brain. Some studies also show that as a side effect, the baby may be born with cleft lip and sole.
Side effects of alcohol in pregnancy
Like smoking, the consumption of alcohol is also known to be problematic for the unborn baby. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and low birth weight. It is also harmful to your child's postnatal development and mental health. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause your baby to develop a serious condition called alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
While smoking and drinking are harmful to everyone, they can have even more serious side effects in women, says Dr. Vineeta. This habit is harmful to both mother and child.
(PC: Freepik)
