Sadly, it looks like some expectant mums still think it’s OK to smoke during pregnancy.
 
This was evident on Channel 4’s latest offering to the Reality TV stage, One Born Every Minute as it showcased 17-year-old expectant mother, Jessica, who admitted last week, that she smoked during pregnancy. The revelation sparked outrage among viewers, who took to social network sites to voice their concern, anger and outrage at the stupidity of the teen who was selfishly endangering the life of her unborn child. Cameras filmed Jessica as she went into Labour at Leeds General Infirmary, and when asked by her friend if she had been out for a cigarette, she replied ‘I’m not allowed’.
 
A senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation Maureen Talbot, commenting on the show stated that ‘there are 4,000 potentially dangerous chemicals found in cigarette smoke' and 'the harmful effects of these can mean that while in the womb your baby’s heart has to beat faster to get the oxygen it needs. She also stated, that 'it doesn’t stop there, as smoking during pregnancy may also increase the risk of heart and circulatory disease in children as they grow up.'
 
That said, for all the people that went online who were outraged at Jessica's actions, there were some who defended her right to smoke while pregnant if that was her choice. One user remarked 'don't judge' and explained how she had her own child at 20 and smoked while pregnant, and confirmed that her now 2 year old son was a healthy weight when he was born and that he was doing very well today. 
 
At the end of the show Jessica gave birth to a baby girl Rikeya, weighting 6lbs 12oz.
 
What do you think about smoking in pregnancy - do you think it's ok?  Is it no worse than kids sitting inhaling a parents smoke as they sit in the family car? 

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