About one-quarter of pregnant women in Iowa are smokers according to Iowa Department of Public Health Director Stephen Gleason.Dr. Gleason says Iowa ranks number one in the nation for the number of pregnant smokers based on the percentage of population of pregnant women. Gleason says expectant mothers who smoke are subjecting their babies to health risks. He says there’s a higher chance of miscarriage when a pregnant woman smokes, and the data shows babies born to smokers have lower birth weights. In addition, Gleason says babies born to smokers are more likely to die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS.Gleason says women who receive “Women, Infants and Children” aide get anti-smoking pamphlets — and new state substance abuse grants require agencies to include a component teaching of the dangers of smoking while pregnant.
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