Shisha, also referred to as hookah, is a water pipe for smoking flavoured tobacco. Charcoal heats the tobacco, and the smoke passes through a water-filled chamber before being inhaled by the user through a tube and mouthpiece.

 Hookah smoke has high levels of harmful chemicals. These include tar, carbon monoxide, heavy metals and cancer-causing chemicals called carcinogens. These chemicals can have severe effects on a pregnant woman and her baby.

We take a closer look at the differences between shisha and cigarettes and the adverse effects of smoking shisha during pregnancy.

Differences between smoking shisha and cigarettes

Although shisha and cigarettes are both forms of tobacco, there are some notable differences between the two; 

• The tobacco in shisha is typically moist and aromatic, while the tobacco in cigarettes is dry and unflavored. 
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• Hooker smokers expose themselves to more carbon monoxide, higher levels of tar and other harmful gasses than cigarette smokers.
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• Smoking shisha involves a process of inhaling and exhaling the smoke while smoking cigarettes involves taking short, quick puffs. 
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• The length of time it takes to smoke a shisha is much longer than smoking a cigarette. 

Shisha is often perceived to be a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, but this is not the case. While the smoke from shisha goes through filtration through water in the chamber, which usually gives the illusion that the smoke is cleaner and cooler, it still contains many harmful chemicals, such as cigarette smoke. 

Health experts have warned that smoking shisha is far more harmful to health than smoking cigarettes. However, both shisha and cigarettes pose serious health risks and are best to boycott entirely. 

Adverse effects of smoking shisha during pregnancy and at birth

There are many adverse effects of smoking shisha during pregnancy, and it's important to be aware of these risks. They include:

• Increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. 
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• High chances of preterm labour and low birth weight. 
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• Increased risk of infection and other complications during labour and delivery.
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• Impedes the neural development of the baby.
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• Exposes the baby to respiratory issues at birth.
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•  It can cause a condition called fetal hypoxia, which occurs when the baby does not get enough oxygen during birth. This can cause brain damage or may even lead to death. 
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• It can lead to behavioural and cognitive delays in the baby due to nicotine addiction. Nicotine addiction can have a long-term effect on a child's development.
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Given these risks, smoking shisha during pregnancy and birth can have serious consequences for both the mother and the baby. There are no known benefits to smoking shisha during pregnancy, and the potential risks are significant.

Can smoking shisha cause a miscarriage during pregnancy?

Smoking shisha increases the risk of miscarriage, although it is not the only cause. Studies show that quitting smoking can reduce the risk of miscarriage. Many substances in shisha can potentially cause a miscarriage. One of such toxic substances is carbon monoxide.

 The gas released from the burnt tobacco may prevent the body from getting enough oxygen, causing problems for both the mother and the baby. Nicotine can also harm a developing baby.

Smoking shisha during pregnancy is a risky behaviour that can have serious consequences for both the mother and her unborn child. Although the smoke passes through water, this does not remove the hazardous, addictive chemicals released from the tobacco. This may lead to some adverse effects, including low birth weight, preterm birth, and even stillbirth. 

It is also pertinent to know that the flavourings in shisha may contain chemicals linked to many adverse effects, such as lung, bladder and oral cancers and heart diseases. For all of these reasons, it is important to avoid smoking shisha during pregnancy to have a healthy pregnancy and birth. Talk to your doctor about them and how to avoid them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I take shisha during pregnancy? 

No, it is perilous to do so, and it contains toxic substances that may threaten your life and that of your unborn baby. 

Is smoking cigarettes worse than smoking shisha? 

Many people ignorantly believe that shisha is safer than cigarettes, but this is not the case. Smoking shisha is more dangerous than smoking cigarettes. 

Can shisha affect a growing baby?

Shisha can affect a growing baby. The toxins in shisha can affect the development of the baby's brain, heart, and lungs, which can lead to long-term health problems, such as learning disabilities and developmental delays.

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