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How can smoking affect my pregnancy? — Smoking during pregnancy can lead to serious harm. People who smoke during pregnancy are more likely than those who do not smoke to have problems such as:
●Preterm labor – This is labor that starts before 37 weeks of pregnancy (3 or more weeks before your due date). Pregnancy normally lasts about 40 weeks, counting from the first day of your last period. Going into labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy can be dangerous, because babies who are born preterm (also called "premature") can have serious health problems.
●Problems with the placenta (figure 1) – These can include "placenta previa" and "placental abruption." Placenta previa happens when the placenta covers the opening of the cervix. Placental abruption happens when the placenta separates from the uterus before the baby is born. Both of these problems can cause bleeding from the vagina and be dangerous for both you and your baby.
●Miscarriage – A miscarriage is when a pregnancy ends before 20 weeks of pregnancy.
●Stillbirth – A stillbirth is when a baby dies before it is born, in the second half of pregnancy (after 20 weeks).
How can smoking during pregnancy affect my baby? — Babies whose mothers smoke during pregnancy are more likely than babies whose mothers do not smoke to:
●Be premature or be born too small – Babies who are premature or small are more likely to have problems with feeding, sleeping, breathing, seeing, and hearing.
●Die suddenly for no known reason before the age of 1 year – This is called "sudden infant death syndrome" or "SIDS."
What about vaping? — Vaping refers to using electronic cigarettes or "e-cigarettes." It is best to avoid using any tobacco product during pregnancy. This includes regular cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and water pipes (hookahs). These products all contain nicotine, which is the harmful substance found in regular cigarettes.
What about marijuana? — Marijuana is legal in some places, but doctors recommend avoiding it if you are pregnant. There are studies that suggest it could cause problems for the baby.
What treatments can help me stop smoking during pregnancy? — Your doctor or nurse can give you advice on the best way to quit. They can also put you in touch with counselors or other people you can call for support. The letters in the word "START" can help you remember the steps to take:
S = Set a quit date.
T = Tell family, friends, and the people around you that you plan to quit.
A = Anticipate or plan ahead for the tough times you'll face while quitting.
R = Remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from your home, car, and work.
T = Talk to your doctor about getting help to quit.
The earlier you can quit smoking in your pregnancy, the better. But stopping at any point can still help. If you cannot quit, smoking fewer cigarettes can help, too.
It's also very important not to start smoking again after your baby is born. Babies who are around smoke from cigarettes (called "second-hand smoke") have a higher-than-normal risk of health problems, such as colds and ear infections. Quitting for good also lowers your chances of heart disease and cancer. And it sets a good example for your child not to smoke.
Can I take medicines to help me quit smoking while I am pregnant? — Yes. If you have tried other ways to quit smoking but still can't stop, you can try medicines. Ask your doctor which would be safest for you and your baby. Medicines to help you quit include:
●Nicotine replacement therapy – This includes skin patches, lozenges, and gum that have nicotine. Prescription forms include nasal sprays and "puffers" (also called "inhalers").
●Bupropion (sample brand names: Zyban, Wellbutrin) – This prescription medicine reduces your desire to smoke. It is also available in a generic version, which is cheaper than the brand name ones.
Patient education: How to plan and prepare for a healthy pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: Preterm labor (The Basics)
Patient education: Quitting smoking (The Basics)
