Do I have to quit smoking because my wife is pregnant?

Question

She smokes and has continued to smoke through the first 4 months of pregnancy. He reasoning is she's stressed and that I haven't quit either.

I would never smoke anywhere near the baby

Answer 1

Her stress isn't going to go away just because you quit smoking. Perhaps there is a compromise--she quits and you quit doing it around her. Don't lie, just do it away from her. What more can she ask? You are not pregnant. Would she change her diet or habits if you were the one with health problems? I don't think smoking is good for anyone, by the way, but that wasn't the question. And hopefully neither of you will smoke around the baby.

Answer 2

I find your additional comment interesting, if not nieve. She is pregnant and should NOT be smoking. You should also NOT smoke around her because when you do, YOU ARE smoking around the baby. It's called second hand smoke and it counts as much as the ones she is smoking herself! What she is putting in her system (nicotine, etc 200 other poisons) goes directly to the baby. The body filters NONE of it and therefore does NOT prevent if from going to the baby. Therefore, realistically, the baby is smoking too, though not by choice! It really SHOULD be considered child abuse but I guess in a nation that does not recognize unborn children as people, it would not be. It still is though! Smoking or being around it during pregnancy greatly decreases the likelyhood that the baby will be healthy. Both of you need to stop! My ex-best friend smoked through 4 pregnancies and lost 2 to death after birth, one to miscarriage late term and the 4th was born with severe brain damage and will forever be smaller than he should be with multiple reoccuring illnesses. Some people get lucky, some don't. Is taht a gamble you are both willing to make? How much are you willing to lose...if you lose?
By the way, I am a smoker (18 years now) have 4 kids, did NOT smoke during pregnancy yet ALL my kids have minor health issues because I did smoke before, after and between the pregnancies.

Answer 3

Why haven't you quit? If you want HER to quit, why do you continue to smoke? Don't you think that's inconsiderate. Just because the baby is growing inside of her doesn't mean that she's the only one who needs to take into consideration the baby's healthy (or at least it shouldn't mean that!).

If you would prefer that she didn't smoke while carrying your child than, yes, I would say that you should also quit smoking.

It is incredibly difficult to quit smoking... and although some people think you should just quit cold-turkey, on the spot, the moment you discover you're pregnant... sometimes that's easier said than done. Isn't it? Why are YOU still smoking. Don't you want to be a good example for your wife?? Don't you want to support her by going through this life changing experience hand-in-hand... together. Healthy. Smoke-free.

Speaking from personal experience...

My wonderful spouse quit when I did. It made it so much easier on me.

Answer 4

You as a couple are no longer - you have a new little life to think about. You are now becoming a family and this little person needs your help and care for many years to come. The baby has not asked to be born - it was your decision. Committment should have been considered first. There is too much said about health issues with smoking to ignore it. Stop smoking and make this your commitment to your new baby. Give this little person a great start in an already pressured world. Think of it as a sign of your love. You are going to be a Dad - enjoy it. What a wonder you have created.

Answer 5

Smoking during pregnancy is one of the major causes of baby's low birthweight. It can cause several serious complications--I am not sure what they all are, but I think they have to do with either the baby's respiratory system and the baby's heart.

I don't know why your wife has no common sense-every baby book and every ad you see for cigarettes clearly states that women should NOT smoke during pregnancy.

Second hand smoke is just as bad, or even worse. You should both quit.

Answer 6

Honestly, If she really cares about her child she should quit. I smoked before I got pregnant but quit the day I got the test results. It was not easy but you know what??? I did not want my child to be exposed to that. My husband smoked the whole time but not in the house. (He still does not smoke in the house). She needs to talk it over with her doctor. They can help find ways to make it easier on her to quit. I had smoked for 13 years so I know it is not easy. As far as you.......It would be really nice if you stopped since she is having so much trouble, or at least don't do it around her so she wants one that much more.
She does not need to blame you for her not quitting. She is an adult and should care enough about the health of her child to quit. I am not trying to bad mouth her in any way, but she needs to at least try (really hard).

Good luck with the new baby.

Answer 7

If she will quit if you do then do it. It will be best for both of you and for the baby. Plus it would be good for you two to stop smoking now so that when the kid is born it will never have to breathe in second hand smoke from either of you and also it will allow both of you to live longer for your child.

Answer 8

Both of you HAVE TO quit smoking as soon as possible!!! It's very important for her and the child she's carying. It's not going to be easy, but its not worth risking the childs life over a couple of cigarettes... and you HAVE TO make her stop smoking and force yourself to quit smoking as well because second hand smoking can be even more dangerous... i hope that both of you quit smoking especially her, at least untill she is due...
good luck

Answer 9

not good for the baby especially if your wife smokes, but you should either quit or not smoke in the house, never smoke close to your baby or in the same room.

Answer 10

Speaking as an ex-smoker who quit while I was pregnant, if my husband had been a smoker, it would have made quitting SO much harder. I am sure it would help her a lot if you could quit together ... or at least don't smoke anywhere near her.

Besides, it's healthier for all of you.