Smoking during pregnancy is the leading preventable cause of illness and death among mothers and infants. The rate of maternal smoking in the state of Michigan is approximately 18-19 percent. Women who smoke during pregnancy are at risk for the following:

• Low birth weight infants (smoking nearly doubles the risk)
• Pregnancy complications
• Higher rate of infant morbidity and mortality

Infants and toddlers have tiny bodies, tiny lungs, and breather rapidly. All of these things increase the negative affects of exposure to smoke from a burning cigarette, cigar, or pipe. This is called secondhand smoke —also known as environmental tobacco smoke.

In U.S. children aged 18 months or younger, secondhand smoke exposure is responsible for an estimated—

• 150,000–300,000 new cases of bronchitis and pneumonia each year
• 7,500–15,000 hospitalizations annually

Some major risks for babies from secondhand smoke exposure are:

• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• Asthma
• Decreased lung function
• Pneumonia and bronchitis
• Sinus problems that can lead to fluid in the middle ear, which can then lead to ear infections, doctor’s visits, operations and childhood hearing loss.

In the long-term, secondhand smoke exposure is linked to problems with brain functioning and behavioral development. Children exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to become smokers.

Smoke-Free Women in Michigan Tobacco Quit-Line

Free Telephone Coaching 1-800-480-QUIT (1-800-480-7848)

• The Quit Line provides information and referrals.
• For those without insurance or those with Medicaid or Medicare, the Quit Line provides five counseling sessions by phone to assist in stopping tobacco.
• For pregnant women, the Quit Line Provides 10 sessions.
• These counseling services are provided at no cost.

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