We are three students in our first year at the University and decided to research the effect of substance abuse on pregnant women for our assignment. Although the number of women smoking and consuming alcohol is fairly low compared to other European countries, there is lack of awareness, leading to many needless complications to the foetus.

Through our research we noted that, according to the third quarterly report from the National Obstetric Information System (NOIS), there were more pregnant non-smokers than smokers. However, it was alarming to find out that of the pregnant smokers, 14 per cent smoked up to three cigarettes a day and 86 per cent exceeded three cigarettes daily. Not many are aware that even passive smoking can have harmful effects on the foetus.

The most common conditions caused by passive and direct smoking by pregnant women are extreme low birth weight and being small for gestational age.

When a pregnant woman consumes alcohol this gets into her blood, which is conducted to the baby through the umbilical cord. There is no safe amount of alcohol for pregnant and breastfeeding women because this can slow down the baby's growth and affect the baby's brain. One common cause of alcohol consumption on the foetus is the fetal alcoholic syndrome, which can cause facial and other physical defects.

Awareness and self-control are the ultimate solutions to avoid the amount of complications caused due to the abuse of alcohol and smoking. Substance intake must be limited if not avoided completely. After all, it is in the best interests of everyone to promote a healthier lifestyle.