Jump to full article: Erie (PA) Times-News, 2010-07-19
Author: Laura A. Beckes is tobacco program coordinator for the Northwest Pennsylvania Tobacco Control Program.
Intro: But, did you ever wonder about the effects of tobacco on pregnant women and their unborn children?
When a pregnant woman uses tobacco and/or is exposed to tobacco smoke during her pregnancy, she places her health, and the health of her developing child, at risk. . . .
About 29 percent of women in Erie County report using tobacco during pregnancy. This means that in 2009, about 936 babies were born to women who used tobacco while pregnant, and are at risk for related health complications.
One of the best gifts a woman can give herself and her developing child is to quit using tobacco and remind others that it is not OK to use tobacco around her.
If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, and you use tobacco, now is a good time to quit.
For information about available programs, contact the Northwest Pennsylvania Tobacco Control Program at 451-6709, the Pennsylvania Quitline at (1) 800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), or visit Quitnet.com. All programs are available at no cost.
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