Smoking during pregnancy

Pregnancy is the perfect time to quit smoking. You will feel better and have more energy to live during your pregnancy. You will also reduce your risk of future health problems such as heart disease, cancer, and other lung problems.

Studies show that 12-20% of pregnant women smoke, putting them and their babies at risk.

The benefits are great, but the process is complicated, especially with the added stress of pregnancy. While this can be a very difficult journey, there are resources to help you kick the habit.

Facts about smoking during pregnancy

When you smoke...your child also smokes. When you smoke, you breathe in poisons such as nicotine, lead, arsenic, and carbon monoxide. These poisons travel to the placenta, the tissue that connects you to your baby and sends oxygen and nutrients as well as waste.

These poisons prevent your child from getting the nutrients and oxygen they need to grow.

Smoking during pregnancy can lead to low birth weight, premature birth and infant death. Smoking during pregnancy is estimated to be responsible for 20-30% of low birth weight babies, up to 14% of preterm births and about 10% of all infant deaths.

Passive smoking can cause problems for your child. If a woman smokes during pregnancy, there are additional risks.

You are more likely to have a baby who is too underweight and may have health problems.

There may be long-term health risks to your child. Smoking during pregnancy can make your baby more likely to have colds, lung problems, learning problems, and physical growth problems.

If a mother continues to smoke after the baby is born, the baby may be more likely to get colds, coughs, and middle ear infections. Babies have very small lungs and cigarette smoke makes it difficult for them to breathe. This can lead to bronchitis and pneumonia in the child.

Third-hand tobacco smoke can cause serious problems for babies and young children. Recent studies now link infants and young children who are exposed to secondhand smoke with an increased risk of asthma, respiratory disease, learning disabilities and cancer.

Third-hand tobacco smoke is the pollution caused by smoking cigarettes. These toxins accumulate over time, one cigarette at a time. You can't see third-hand smoke the way you can see first-hand and second-hand smoke, but it still has serious consequences.

Secondhand smoke consists of gases and toxins that remain on people's clothes and hair, on carpets, furniture and curtains. Because the brains of infants and young children are still developing, they are much more sensitive to all levels of toxins.

And since young children are often closer to the surfaces that absorb these layers of toxins (and they are also more likely to touch indoor surfaces with their mouths), this makes these contaminated surfaces more dangerous for them than for adults.

Pregnant women and young children should try to stay away from places where people smoke.

Nicotine replacement therapy, such as the patch, can still affect your child. You should discuss this with your doctor before using nicotine replacement therapy or withdrawal agents. You and your doctor can discuss what is best for you and your baby.

Your plan to quit smoking

We understand that quitting smoking is difficult, but we believe you can do it! If you're thinking of quitting smoking, be prepared and make a plan.

1. Make a list of all the reasons and benefits of quitting smoking

Some benefits for your child:

Reduces the risk of your baby being born underweight or too early
Increases the amount of nutrients and oxygen your baby will receive
Reduces the risk of health problems in your child
Increases your child's chances of returning home with you after the hospital

Some benefits for you:

Reduces the risk of future health problems such as heart disease, cancer and lung problems
Gives you more energy to get through pregnancy
Saves you money that you can spend on baby products

2. Change your daily habits

Instead of smoking after meals, start a new tradition like taking a walk or reading your favorite pregnancy book.
Instead of smoking while reading, start drinking a milkshake or snacking.

3. Have a strong support system

Trying to quit smoking is hard, and calling a friend or family member when you're about to smoke can really help make a difference. This is also helpful if you are around other non-smokers.

4. Ask your doctor about resources

Your doctor will be happy to help you find a smoking cessation program or aids such as nicotine patches, gum, an inhaler, or medication.

There are some aids your doctor may prescribe, and some you can buy without a prescription. Check with your doctor before taking any of these remedies. These aids still contain nicotine, which can affect your child's growth and health.

5. Set a quit date!

This is the day you throw away all cigarettes and ashtrays.

Quick quit tips:

Keep your hands and mouth busy (chew gum, sign up for a baby shower, start a new craft, suck on lollipops).
When you feel the urge to smoke, just look at the list of reasons why you quit smoking.
Call the help desk when you feel like smoking.
Do not surround yourself with people who smoke or places where smoking is prohibited.