1. Facts for Native Hawaiians about Smoking and Pregnancy
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Facts for Native Hawaiians about Smoking and Pregnancy

2. Smoking During Pregnancy…
Fetuses (unborn babies) of women who smoke during their pregnancies get less food than those of pregnant non-smokers.
Pregnant woman who smoke also raises the level of carbon monoxide in your bloodstream, which reduces oxygen to your fetus. Also, nicotine constricts the blood vessels on your side of the placenta, which means oxygen is passed over less effectively to your baby.

3. ...Continued Chemicals reach the fetus Affects brain development
Rate of infant deaths is higher among full and part Native Hawaiians than among any other ethnic group in the state.
Smoking during pregnancy also increases the risk of problems that include…

4. …Premature Birth
Premature birth is when a baby is born to a mother who had been pregnant 37 weeks or less
In 2000, 4.7% of births were premature for Native Hawaiians
Smoke in cigarettes is an important cause of premature births

5. …Low Birth Weight
Babies born to pregnant mothers who smoke usually weigh less
Are smaller because they have not fully developed
Is a major factor for complications and health problems later in infancy and childhood
In 1996, 63.7 out of 1000 infants from Native Hawaiian mothers were born at a low birth weight
In 1996, 66.9 out of 1000 infants were born at a low birth weight statewide

6. …Learning Disabilities
More behavioral problems than children of non-smokers
Lower ability to succeed in school
160% increase in the risk of your child having behavioral problems

7. …Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
SIDS is the sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant
Leading cause of death for children one month to one year of age
Exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy and after birth is one of the major risk factors

8. Additional Problems… Autism Asthma Stillbirth Clubfoot Ear infections
Middle ear disease
Ectopic pregnancy
Respiratory infections
Colic or excessive crying
Nicotine withdrawal at birth
Abnormal lung development
Oral clefts in the lip and/or palate
Optic nerve hypoplasia and visual impairment

9. …Continued Placental abruption and placenta previa
50% greater chance of mental retardation (I.Q. less than 70)
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Increased lifetime testosterone levels for your unborn daughter -
Diminished future fertility (fewer eggs) for your unborn daughter
Diminished future sperm count (48% lower) for your unborn son
Brain damage to serotonin neurons and possible lifetime depression
An average of over $700 in extra neonatal costs per smoking mother

10. If Smoking is Stopped During Pregnancy
Your baby is less likely to be born before he/she is ready
Less likely to have breathing problems
Will be able to resist infection better
A reduced risk of cot death, infection and chronic conditions such as asthma

11. Ke Ala Pono and Smoking During Pregnancy Connection
Malama: If one is pregnant, they should take care of themselves so that they are able to care for their child, born or unborn. Smoking during pregnancy, or at any time at all, is not acceptable because smoking does nothing positive for your life. It is an addiction that can cause problems and even death for you or your child.

12. Ke Ala Pono and Smoking During Pregnancy Connection
Imiike: It is the responsibility those who are pregnant not to smoke. They should learn what it does to themselves and their baby so they’ll be able to better themselves and their addiction. They should look to family and friends for support to help them through this challenging time.

13. Ke Ala Pono and Smoking During Pregnancy Connection
Hoihi: Respect for themselves is what will carry those who are pregnant and want to quit smoking to raise a healthy child. They must respect their bodies and understand that the only thing stopping them from living a healthy and better lifestyle is themselves.

14. Mothers Who Smoked During Pregnancy by Ethnicity of Mother (2000)

15. Conclusion
Smoking during pregnancy can cause dramatic problems for you and your child.
These problems can be both short- and long-lasting.
The percentage of Hawaiian mothers who smoke during pregnancy is greater than five other ethnicities.
If you malama yourself and your child, take kuleana for yourself and your child, and respect your body, you are a giant step closer to being healthy and having a healthy baby.
Think about what you are doing when you are smoking, especially when you are pregnant. Think of who you are hurting. Think about how smoking affects your life and the lives of those you love.

16. Bibliography
'Crack' nicotine in cigarettes varies widely. Gaia Vince. 28 July March <
Project Splash Packet. Courtesy of University of Hawaii/Cancer Research Center.
Ready Steady Baby! Health Scotland. 15 March <
Smoking While Pregnant or Breastfeeding. John R. Polito, Nicotine Cessation Counselor. 26 October March <