Is There an Impact on Pregnancy if a Woman Smokes Before Quitting?

To ensure the normal development of the fetus, both the male and female partners should quit smoking and drinking alcohol before pregnancy to avoid fetal malformations. However, in some cases where pregnancy occurs unexpectedly, many women may not have time to quit smoking. Although this situation may have a certain impact on fetal development, the impact is generally not significant. Regular hospital check-ups can assess the development of the fetus.

If a woman becomes pregnant unexpectedly without quitting smoking, it can be considered an unexpected pregnancy. However, abortion should only be considered as a last resort due to the significant damage it can cause to the woman's health, potentially leading to permanent infertility. Smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy can increase the risk of fetal malformations, but the probability is relatively low. Nevertheless, regular screenings for malformations should be performed later in pregnancy, and smoking should be avoided.

If there is no intention to keep the pregnancy, surgical termination can be considered. The impact of not quitting smoking before pregnancy is uncertain from the perspective of eugenics, but it does not necessarily lead to malformations. Therefore, there is no need for excessive concern. It is recommended to undergo regular prenatal check-ups, ideally monthly if conditions permit, or at least focused check-ups if not. Generally, ultrasound scans have minimal impact on the baby and can be performed appropriately. However, to confirm pregnancy, ultrasound scans are typically performed around 5-6 weeks of gestation.

At least four ultrasound scans are typically required during pregnancy: at 12 weeks to confirm intrauterine pregnancy and exclude abnormal pregnancies; at 18-20 weeks to verify gestational age and rule out fetal malformations; at 32-36 weeks to assess fetal development and recheck for malformations; and at term or two weeks after the due date if delivery has not occurred to assess placental maturity, amniotic fluid volume and characteristics, and indirectly assess placental function to determine the continuation of pregnancy and the mode of delivery.

Other tests may also be necessary depending on the situation, such as Down's syndrome screening between 16-18 weeks of pregnancy. Throughout pregnancy, it is essential for the expectant mother to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as these behaviors can have negative impacts on the fetus and potentially lead to malformations.