   
Pregnant Women Fear Being Judged By Their Doctor
Many pregnant women who would like to stop smoking for the health of their unborn child, are afraid of asking their doctor for help, fearing they may be judged negatively for smoking while pregnant, it has been claimed.
As many as 40% of pregnant smokers have hidden the fact that they smoke from their midwives or doctors, for fear of being judged.
The figures have been released in an effort to help the 17% of pregnant women who smoke while they are pregnant to stop smoking.
Smoking during pregnancy can cause premature birth, underweight babies, and a loss of oxygen in the bloodstream of the smoker, which in turn affects the unborn baby.
While the NHS provides stop smoking services, many women never use the service in fear that if they approach their doctor, they may be criticized for smoking while pregnant.
Author: Paul Douglass D.Hyp. Adv. MIAPH Acc. (Avon Hypnotherapy)
Article Date: 23rd February 2009
  
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