My mom smokes and I hate it. I was wondering is there any signs or symptoms that I could have if she smoked when she was pregnant with me? I don't want to ask my pearnts. What are the side effects for Second hand smoke? Help. Thanks!

This site will sum it up nicely for you
Second Hand Smoke

But to put it in basic terms, second hand smoke can kill you. And if it doesn't kill you can give you a headache, increase risk of respiratory infections, make you nauseous, or worsen asthma...

Then again, there are many who live with second hand smoke all their life and have never had a problem with it.

Most pregnant women are told by their doctors, not to smoke while pregnant. The nicotine in cigarettes can cause many problems with the baby. The two main problems that I've heard of are respiratory infection, and learning disalibities, such as Autism. Being around your mother now while she smokes, can still cause respiratory problems for you.

Second hand smoke has been associated with lung cancer.

And, of course, if you're allergic to any of the thousand or so additives in cigarettes, that could be a problem. You can be tested by an allergist if you're worried.

If your mom finds it hard to quit, you could ask her to smoke in one room only, and keep a window open. Or ask her to smoke outside.

The curtains and walls will stay cleaner, too, and the house will smell better.

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Originally posted by honilov:
Most pregnant women are told by their doctors, not to smoke while pregnant.

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I think that all pregnant women are told not to smoke and anyone who says they didn't know it was harmful (to them or the baby) is either a liar or a moron.
That said, Doug, do you have any symptoms such as asthma or recurrent bronchitis or anything?

As far as your mom and smoking, you have to understand that it is really difficult for some people to quit smoking. You do not have to deal with her smoking around you, though. If she smokes in the house, leave the room when she lights up. Open a window. Ask her to step outside if it's warm enough. She'll get the picture.
My father smoked for the first fifteen or so years of my life, I think, but never in the house. He never smoked around me. I don't even recall him smoking while we were in the car together. And this was before we "knew" about lung cancer and second-hand smoke and crap.

Bottom line: you're old enough to get away, so just do not be around your mother when she smokes.