Pregnancy is one of the periods in time when everyday health choices can profoundly affect the mother and baby. Smoking is one of the most important lifestyle factors that needs to be taken into account. Nicotine and many other toxic chemicals from cigarettes affect the body and decrease the oxygen available to a developing baby.
Smoking during pregnancy is associated with several serious complications. But quitting at any stage of pregnancy is good news. If someone has smoked before finding out they are pregnant, then quitting as soon as possible can stop exposure.
How Does Smoking Affect Pregnancy
When a pregnant woman is smoking tobacco, chemicals from tobacco get into her blood. Nicotine can affect her blood vessels, while carbon monoxide may curb oxygen flow into the blood. Exposure to these substances can interfere with a healthy pregnancy because the baby is dependent on the mother’s circulation for oxygen and nutrients.
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Smoking is associated with an increased risk for miscarriage, problems with the placenta, premature birth and fetal growth problems. During pregnancy, babies exposed to tobacco may also have a lower birth weight.
The risks are not limited to pregnancy itself. Tobacco exposure before and around birth also has been associated with an increased risk of sudden unexpected infant death and some respiratory problems in infancy and childhood.
Secondhand Smoke Also Matters
Pregnant people do not have to smoke themselves to be exposed to tobacco smoke. Secondhand smoke from cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products can also expose them and their developing baby to harmful substances.
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So keeping a smoke-free house and car is an important step. Family members, partners and friends can support a pregnant person by avoiding smoking around them and ideally, by quitting themselves.
The pregnant person is likely to avoid triggers and exposure to tobacco smoke by creating a smoke-free environment.
What About Smoking Before Pregnancy
Some people may get worried that they smoked before they knew they were pregnant. Pregnancy is not necessarily detected immediately, and stopping can be difficult after years of tobacco use.
It is important not to get guilt-driven. The best way to stop smoking is as soon as possible and talk about tobacco use with a doctor, midwife or any healthcare professional who cares.
Quitting earlier in pregnancy has more benefits, but stopping later in pregnancy can still help keep you from being exposed to more chemicals and support better health.
Quitting Can Be Difficult
Nicotine is addictive, so quitting is not just about willpower. Pregnancy also brings stress, fatigue and a change in emotional state that may make quitting a lot harder.
A healthcare professional can help create a realistic cessation plan. Based on the individual’s personal situation, they may talk about behavioural support and, if necessary, help with medication or nicotine substitute options. Pregnant people shouldn’t take smoking-cessation medicines or nicotine products without consulting a healthcare professional.
This is where practical plans can come in very useful too. Identifying situations that may cause one to smoke, avoiding smoking-related situations, asking family for help and replacing smoking habits with healthier habits may make quitting easier.
Avoid Replacing Cigarettes Without Professional Advice
Some people switch from smoking cigarettes to vaping or other nicotine products during pregnancy. Although electronic cigarettes may expose users to fewer toxic chemicals than combustible tobacco in some situations, they are not risk-free and nicotine can affect fetal development.
Pregnant people should discuss vaping, nicotine products and smoking-cessation options with their healthcare provider rather than assuming that one product is automatically safe during pregnancy.
Support Makes a Difference
When people around the pregnant person know about the goal, quitting is easier. Partners and family members can help by keeping homes and vehicles smoke-free, avoiding smoking around the pregnant person and encouraging rather than criticizing.
Healthcare professionals can also provide evidence-based support and help address cravings, withdrawal symptoms and concerns about relapse.
Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of complications for both the pregnant person and baby. Tobacco smoke is extremely toxic for the developing baby and makes smoking cessation an important part of prenatal care.
There is no need to wait for a particular stage of pregnancy to quit. Stopping as soon as possible is beneficial, and every smoke-free day matters.
If you are pregnant and you smoke, talk to your doctor, midwife or any healthcare professional. With the right help, quitting is possible, and taking that step can contribute to a healthier pregnancy and a healthier start for your baby.
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