Having said all that, it should be noted that there are no established links between smoking and an increase in foetal/newborn mortality.  Also, there are no demonstrated risks of increases in foetal malformations or mental development associated with tobacco.

As a future father, it is as much your responsibility as the mother's to decide whether a reduction or complete cessation of smoking will happen in your household.  If your partner wants to give up then you should try to assist by giving up yourself.  Remember that passive smoking from your cigarettes has the same harmful effects on your child both unborn and after the birth.

If you don't smoke but your partner does, then gentle persuasion with the facts presented in a calm manner has a better chance of success than constantly nagging at her.

Stopping smoking can be a stressful process for everyone and when combined with the other stresses associated with a pregnancy the psychological support required mounts up.  Nicotine replacement patches can often help. Sometimes a large reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked each day is the best compromise.

As a final note: a significant cut in cigarette intake has measurable benefits and can reduce the risks of low birth-weight babies.    Completely stopping smoking before the second trimester will result in no significantly different risk compared to non-smoking mothers.  Stopping during the second trimester will still reduce the risk of early delivery and/or a low birth-weight baby.

And the best advice of all...  "Don't give up giving up!"

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