If I have a low birthweight baby, will the birth be quicker and easier?
Having a low birthweight baby does not make things easier for you or your baby at birth. A smaller baby is more likely to become stressed during birth. Labour with a small, under-weight baby is not easier or shorter than labour with an average sized baby. The damage from smoking that causes the baby to be small also puts the baby at risk of other health problems and labour complications. If I stop smoking, how much weight will I put on? Your body needs more kilojoules during pregnancy to cope with the needs of your growing baby and to maintain your own health. A weight gain of 10 to 13 kilograms is desirable. A balanced diet means eating a moderate amount of food, selected from a wide variety of sources. If smoking relaxes me, then is this good for my baby? Smoking might seem relaxing, but it really increases your heart rate and blood pressure. Every puff on a cigarette decreases the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream and this reduces the amount of oxygen available to your baby. This
