The physical harms of smoking
Cigarettes contain over 4,000 harmful chemicals. When you smoke, these chemicals enter your body and your baby’s body. Tar, carbon monoxide, and other toxins enter your baby's bloodstream through the placenta. This reduces the amount of oxygen your baby can access and limits the blood flow between your body and theirs, which can make your baby’s heart beat faster and harm their development.
Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, early birth, and your baby being born too soon or with a low birth weight. It also increases the risk of cot death (SIDS) and long-term health issues like asthma.