Smoking during pregnancy can harm the baby and the mother. The mother can suffer from placenta previa and placenta abruption, both of which may cause heavy bleeding and death of the mother and/or baby. She is also at an increased risk of needing a Caesarean section instead of natural birth. According to the March of Dimes, a woman who smokes during her pregnancy almost doubles her risk of having a baby with a low birth weight. Other possible effects on the fetus include premature birth, cerebral palsy and heart defects.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor. Your doctor can tell you the methods that are appropriate for you. Additionally, your doctor can let you know where there are support groups in your area that will help you stop smoking.
Step 2
Let your friends and family know that you are pregnant and want to stop smoking. Ask them to hold you accountable if you smoke. Also let them know that they aren't to get you cigarettes no matter how much you beg and plead.
Step 3
Avoid smoking cessation products, including gum, patches, pills and nicotine replacement aids. Generally, no smoking cessation products are considered safe during pregnancy, as no long-term studies have been done to test the side effects they may have on the woman or her baby.
Step 4
Chew gum, but not nicotine replacement gum. While this won't help diminish your nicotine cravings, it will keep your mouth busy.
Step 5
Exercise daily, as long as your doctor says it is okay. Exercise is a good way to work out frustrations associated with smoking cessation. Walking and swimming are usually safe for a mother to be.
Step 6
Change your routine. If you hang around a lot of smokers, changing your routine will help you in your quest to quit; it will also minimize the risk of second hand smoke. Change where you eat lunch if you always eat in the smoking section. Take a break at work with coworkers who don't smoke.
Step 7
Place a reminder of your baby wherever you usually keep your cigarettes to remind you that you are stopping for your baby's sake. An ultrasound picture or a diaper are good reminders.
