The BBC recently reported that babies exposed to smoking in the womb end up with damaged blood pressure 
control, and it is thought that this may be why these babies are at higher risk of cot death.
A study at the Karlinksa Institute found that babies born of smokers experienced surges in blood pressure, even when they were asleep in their cots. The study also suggests that damage to a childs circulation may have something to do with Infant Cot Death Syndrome, although it is worth pointing out that the study set out to look at the effects of smoking on newborn babies rather than directly at cot deaths.
To date, experts have said that a third of cot deaths could be avoided if women did not smoke during pregnancy, and mothers-to-be who do smoke should get help and support in quitting from their midwife.
To read more on this story why not visit the BBC website at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8478690.stm
It’s a very hard subject! I chose to stop smoking when I fell pregnant for my son, however I started again as soon as I gave birth. The reason I did stop was to prevent any harm to my child, however some experts say smoking does affect the unborn child, some say it doesn’t!
Cot death was my main concern, however I have never smoked near to or in the same room, I smoke outside!
I do want to stop though! i hate it!
I sympathise completely, I have watched my mum try to quit time and time again and I know she wants to more than anything. I applaud people who, even if they can’t quit, make every effort not to do it around their babies, but I know of one person who is actively trying to have a baby and she has admitted that she has no intention of quitting and she smokes freely around the children she already has, it’s just wrong!
I hope you succeed in quitting eventually