We have all been told of the negative effects of smoking during pregnancy, but here is yet another article stating devastating defects in children whose mothers smoked while pregnant. The new medical study found a connection between smoking during pregnancy and certain defects such as those that obstruct the flow of blood from the right side of the heart into the lungs and openings between the upper chambers of the heart. Therefore, according to a statement released by CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, women who are thinking about having a baby or they are already pregnant should quit smoking immediately as tobacco can affect children’s health. In addition, consider banking your baby’s umbilical cord blood in the event that he/she will need it in the future. Click here to learn more about the amazing success story of Baby John, from our own Dr. Michael Werner