There are hidden dangers to your unborn child if you smoke during pregnancy.

The child of a mother who smokes during pregnancy is at risk for a long list of harmful effects. If you smoke during pregnancy, your child won't develop all of the known issues but he or she is guaranteed to develop at least a few of them. Even though not too many studies have been done, there are too many known risks. There is a large disconnect between what we know about the potential risks and what potential mothers are aware of. Every woman needs to be aware of the consequences of smoking while pregnant. Here are just some of the known risks associated with smoking during pregnancy.

The best way to quit if you are pregnant and smoke is to see either your family doctor or your prenatal doctor. There are many various methods and products that are designed to help you quit smoking. Some of these aids still contain nicotine, however. If you wear a nicotine replacement patch, for example, the nicotine that enters your bloodstream will still be absorbed by your baby. The nicotine in these patches is still a threat to your child's health even if it is better than inhaling the hundreds of carcinogenic chemicals found in cigarettes. So it really is best to discuss it with your doctor as to what is best for you.

Every year, a certain percentage of pregnancies are ectopic ones. An ectopic pregnancy is when the embryo implants in the fallopian tube rather than in the uterus. There can be all kinds of serious complications from ectopic pregnancies. Women who smoke are more likely to have ectopic pregnancies. Smoking during pregnancy can also negatively impact the placenta. This can pose a serious health risk to both the mother and the fetus.

Many people are now aware of the increasing incidence and diagnosis of ADHD, or Attention Deficit - Hyperactivity Disorder, in children. In fact, millions of diagnoses are made each year, and the figure appears to be climbing each year. There are many causes of ADHD and smoking at least half a pack a day while pregnant can increase your child's tendency toward hyperactivity. This also means an increased risk of your child being diagnosed with ADHD.

There are serious, severe, and potentially fatal to your unborn child. Most of the known effects passed onto your baby are not fatal. However, you will be seriously compromising the health of your baby when you smoke. Very many of the body's organs and processes will be negatively affected, and there is evidence supporting that your child's future behavior may be adversely affected, as well.