Secondhand smoke is a combination of a smoker’s exhaled smoke and the smoke from a burning cigarette. It contains more than 4,000 substances, including 200 known poisons and 43 cancer-causing substances and kills an estimated 62,000 nonsmokers each year in the United States.

More than 4,000 chemicals have been identified in mainstream tobacco smoke; however, the actual number may be more than 100,000. Of the chemicals identified in secondhand smoke, at least 60 are carcinogens (substances that cause cancer), such as formaldehyde. Six others are substances that interfere with normal cell development, such as nicotine and carbon monoxide. Following is a partial list of chemicals found in tobacco smoke:

Secondhand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), has been declared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a "Class A carcinogen" - meaning that it is a major cause of cancer and other serious public health problems. The health of nonsmokers is adversely affected by secondhand smoke as seen in more than 3,000 cases of lung cancer and 40,000 heart attack deaths of nonsmokers each year who have been exposed regularly to ETS.

Secondhand smoke exposure is a known risk factor for lung cancer. Approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths occur each year among adult non-smokers in the United States as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is also linked to nasal sinus cancer. Some research suggests an association between secondhand smoke and cancers of the cervix, breast, and bladder. However, more research is needed in order to confirm a link to these cancers.

Secondhand smoke kills. The Government's independent Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health concluded after reviewing the available medical and scientific evidence in 2004 that exposure to secondhand smoke contributes to a range of serious medical conditions, including: children exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, ear problems and more severe asthma.

For women with certain risks or problems detected by their obstetrician, special fetal echocardiograms can be performed to evaluate the baby's heart while in the womb. Your obstetrician can advise you as to whether of not a fetal echocardiogram might be necessary.

Large amounts of caffeine should be avoided, but the most recent studies seem to show that a small amount of coffee (one or two cups a day) is fine.

Give the baby breast milk. If you are at all inclined to breast-feed DO IT! Advantages include decreasing the incidence of infant ear infections, allergies, and diarrhea and bacterial meningitis; and may also protect against childhood lymphoma, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and diabetes. Breast-feeding moms have reduced risk to ovarian cancer, early breast cancer and the fractures of osteoporosis. Aim for a full year.

Absolutely not. The plaster bandage used to cover you is very similar to that used in hospitals to cast a broken limb. The baby is free to move around during the process (occasionally you can see where the baby has kicked and cracked the under layers of the plaster, and even the way it was laying in your belly - to one side or another) and there is no 'constriction' of the womb. In fact, as the bandage dries, it will naturally 'lift away' from the body rather than press inwards.

To date, there have been no proven ill effects from conducting regular ultrasound exams on pregnant women. BEECHSTREET CORPORATION – with over 500 insurance companies through the Beechstreet Network such as BENESIGHT OR CORESOURCE be sure to check beechstreet.com to see if your plan is covered under the Beechstreet Corporation

National Maternal and Child Health Clearinghouse, Health Resources and Services Administration, 2070 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 450, Vienna, VA 22182, 703-356-1964, www.nmchc.org La Leche League International, 1400 North Meacham Road, P.O. Box 4079, Schaumburg, IL 60168, 800-LALECHE, www.lalecheleague.org For Parents of Preemies, Meriter Hospital, Neonatology 6C, 202 South Park Street, Madison, WI 53715, {ww2.medsch.wisc.edu/chilrenshosp/parents_of_preemie_index.html.

infant can take 1 pump spray of King Bio Natural Medicine safely. Infants can be effectively treated for such problems as colic, colds and flu, allergies, earaches, teething, etc.

This test is offered to all babies within the first week of life. It identifies babies who may have rare but serious conditions. Most babies screened will not have any of the conditions but, for the small numbers that do the benefits of screening are enormous. Early treatment can improve their health and prevent severe disability or even death. About 1 in 10000 babies born in the UK has phenylketonuria.

Stetchy wraps are great for newborns and smaller babies, especially those that like to be carried a lot. They are often easier to use than most people think and have the benefit of being possible to leave on and popping the baby in and out - ideal for those frequent nappy changes! They also wash and dry easily, especially the fleece wraparounds. A pouch is perfect for the 'up and down' child, as they are usually of a sleek design and can be left on (or popped in a bag or pocket) when not in use.

Budget cannot accommodate seats for newborns, only forward facing seats suitable for 6 months up to three years. The other car companies can provide rear facing seats and booster seats for children over 3 years.