When Did It Become Known Smoking Was Bad For You?

[DarceyK123]

Watching programs like 'call the Midwife' which is set in the 1960s, im surprised to see the mothers smoking even at the anti natal classes, even the Doctor smokes.

Ive always known smoking is bad for you so wonder when it became widely obvious it was not acceptable for expectant mothers to smoke

[New Judge]

"As I have stated elsewhere, the Deniers (often backed by vested interests) always hold up vital progress, to the detriment of all."

Reminds me, to a Tee, of something else (beginning with B and ending with T). But I won't derail the thread :-)

[Rockrose]

Mother smoked whilst pregnant in the late 70’s

[thumbscrew]

I was a teenager in the 50s, I don't know who it was, but I well remember the person coming to the school they held up a jar of brown liquid and said this is happening to your lungs. I stopped smoking shortly afterwards, as I left school and worked in a drawing office and wanted to buy a new suit.

Bill

[Meg]

I've smoked since I was 14. First time I remember concerns raised about it was in the early 70's. I carried on smoking when I was pregnant with my first two sons, one is 50 this year, t'other is 36, both healthy PHD doctors. I gave up for 12 years and during that time I had my 3rd son, he's a charted accountant.(and healthy) Still smoke now but only outside.

[Peter Pedant]

doll and hill 1950
stats by Peto

good textbook example of how to do things
follow up those who do
and those who dont and compare the two
BUT - it isnt randomised
and BUT it isnt about pregnant women but male doctors

but what the hell

a famous anaesthetist Selwyb Crawford said he used to smoke in the anaesthetic room ( they used ether then eek!) until 1956.
( yup he still smoked but stopped going into anaesthetic rooms - ter daah!)

[Peter Pedant]

Meg is clearly a walking ash-tray of wonder

you need to look at series of thousands to see the effect

[Meg]

Thank you Peter, I'll take that as a complimentxxx

Meg flutters eyelashes, this guy must have money!!

[Cloverjo]

Following on from Pyrix mentioning the stout in the maternity ward, I wasn't given a bottle of stout but my midwife recommended at least a bottle a week to help with breastfeeding. I was skint then so couldn't afford a daily one, but I did enjoy my weekly treat.

[Cloverjo]

This was in the 90s.

[Meg]

I didn't smoke when my last son was born. I did enjoy a bacardi though when breast feeding, took me 2 years too get him off the tits!!

[retrocop]

The wife’s Mother,Grandfather and uncle all died sucking on a oxygen tank at home for the last few years of their life. My BIL in Canada likewise. All swore vehemently that smoking never did them any harm right up to their gasping breath. Lol

[DarceyK123]

Retro, my Mother is the same, a heavy smoker who now has COPD, but its not the smoking that caused it, she's adamant about that!

[DarceyK123]

NewJudge, that sounds like the story of my life, i could have written that.
They say that smokers children are more likely to smoke but my family is just the opposite, all 3 of us watched my mum smoking and were so disgusted that we've never touched a cigarette.

[ChillDoubt]

I used to smoke, gave up 26 years ago. During that time I saw both parents die from lung cancer. When diagnosed, Dad was philosophical and said: I’ve smoked for 38 years, what did I expect? He gave up immediately, had chemo etc and was grateful for all the help he had via the NHS. With a positive mindset throughout, he got 18 vital months with his grandchildren, that was his only focus.
Mum denied having any problems when I quizzed her about coughing up blood and that’s how she remained, in denial.
She died 3 weeks after diagnosis, which in reality was a blessing as she wouldn’t have coped the way Dad did.
Given where I work and what I see it saddens me that since starting university young Chill has started smoking.
I’m hoping that it’s just a peer pressure thing and will soon wane.
All I can do is pass on my life and work experience and hope he comes to his senses sooner rather than later.