Quitting smoking is stressful for most people, but it can be especially stressful when you’re dealing with pregnancy hormones, changes to your body and a decreased energy level. However, quitting halfway through your pregnancy does not stress your baby. On the contrary, quitting at any stage in your pregnancy only benefits your baby.
Smoking Risks
The poisons from smoking -- arsenic, carbon monoxide, lead and nicotine -- limit the amount of nutrients and oxygen that your baby receives. Smoking while pregnant accounts for about 10 percent of infant deaths, 14 percent of preterm deliveries and 20 to 30 percent of low-birth weight babies, according to the American Lung Association. Smoking also increases your chances of a miscarriage and increases your baby’s chances of asthma and sudden infant death syndrome.
Quitting Benefits
Quit smoking as soon as possible when you are pregnant. Quitting within four months of pregnancy can lower the chance your baby is born prematurely or with smoking-related health problems. Even if you’re feeling withdrawal symptoms from the nicotine, your baby won’t. Quitting also improves your own health, giving you more energy and reducing your risk of cancer, heart disease and lung problems.
Quitting Tips
When you’re pregnant, you have the additional motivation of your baby’s health to help you quit. Keep that in mind and make a list of the reasons you are quitting. Include the benefits to your own health, and write down how much money you will save. Replace smoking with a healthy habit, such as snacking on carrots or going for a walk when you are tempted to smoke. Surround yourself with friends and family who will help you stick to your plan not just during your pregnancy but after, as well. Ask your doctor about intervention programs aimed at reducing your risk of relapse, as the majority of mothers smoke again within 12 months after giving birth.
Quitting Safely
While there are many strategies to quit smoking, when you’re pregnant, some of these options, such as the nicotine patch and gum, can still harm your baby. Talk to your doctor to determine the safest method for your situation. In most cases, quitting cold turkey is best for your baby’s health. If you are a heavy smoker, quitting cold turkey could cause a seizure. If you smoke several packs a day, gradually decrease the number of packs or the number of cigarettes you smoke each day until reach zero.
References
- American Lung Association: Women and Tobacco Use
- Baby Center; I'm Pregnant Can Quitting Smoking Cold Turkey Hurt Me or My Baby?; Sharon Cummins
- American Pregnancy Association: Smoking and Your Baby: Need Help Putting Down That Cigarette?
- "Journal of Women's Health"; Smoking During Pregnancy and Postpartum: Smoking Rates and Intention to Quit Smoking or Resume After Pregnancy; W. Hannover; May 2008
