What do you think about people smoking around a pregnangt person?

Question

I am concerned because I am 2 months pregnant and Christmas is coming and we are supposed to go to my husbands parents house christmas eve where their will be alot of people smoking around me, what and how should I come across saying something to them, I don't excpect them to not smoke in their own house but should they understand that I wouldn't want to be arround?

Answer 1

I think you have a longer term problem - next year the baby will be a few months old at christmas; surely u wouldnt want anyone smoking around the child then either.

u or ur husband should explain to your inlaws upfront that now that ur pregnant u prefer not be around second hand smoke while pregnant or after the baby is born.

ask them if they can keep the family/communal room, kitchen and one other room smoke free. that way u dont have to be "anti social" and if u need to rest or feed the baby, then u have a smoke free private room as well.

if they r not prepared, then perhaps u should reconsider attending their party?

Answer 2

I had this issue at the beginning of this pregnancy. We ended up telling some relatives very early that we were pregnant in hopes that they would understand and not smoke around me. Some took the hint and choose to smoke away from me, but others continued to smoke. I would then choose to step away. It was a difficult time though because a loved one had just died and I didn't want to upset the family even more, so I made the choice to walk away once the smoking started (if they hadn't just lost their husband and father, I think I might have been more forceful.)

Answer 3

Yeah, this is sorta prickly, but the first rule is, it's their house. You can not tell someone not to do something in their house. Your option is to not go. Since that's not one of the options (I'm assuming the father-in-law smokes) then you must (1) go to the party (2) make an effort to stay around the people who don't smoke (they will naturally gravitate towards each other cause they don't like smoke either). It's a short time frame and it will not hurt you or your baby. NOW, while we should never lie!!!!! You might explain that cigarette smoke makes you really nauseous, so, please don't be offended, but I will be spending my time with the non-smokers. I would, probably, get the mother-in-law aside at the beginning and explain about the smoke making you sick. don't know about here but, usually, the she bear rules in this kind of case. Oh, Merry Christmas and congratulations. AND, get a camera and take lots of pictures (bad pictures/embarrassing pictures) when he/she gets to be a teenager and impossible to live with they might work for blackmail. he he

Answer 4

yes, they should understand that you dont want to be around. Ask them if there is a way you can sit near and open window and away from the smoke while you open gifts, and then excuse yourself to a less smoky area of the house for the rest of the evening.

Theyre bound to get upset, but they'll be less offended if you avoid making it seem like they have a problem and are causing issues.

I have to do the same thing with my grandmother, and neighbors. They smoke like chimneys. Some times you just cant stay as long as you'd like. Tell them you're not feeling well and excuse yourself.

Answer 5

I feel your pain. My mother-in-law smokes and I'm so sensitive to cigarette smoke that it often gives me a migraine. She happens to live with her brother and his wife (she had a stroke an isn't able to live on her own) and fortunately, she's only allowed to smoke in her own bedroom. That being said, she's got several game systems and when we go down, the kids only want to hang out in grandma's room and play video games. Even if she doesn't smoke while we are in the room, the smell is just overpowering and I just can't spend time in there.

Unfortunately, your in-laws likely smoke throughout their entire house and unless they agree to cease and desist for the evening or smoke outside, you're going to be exposed to it. Only you know how they might react if you ask them not to smoke in your immediate vicinity because of your pregnancy. They very well might be from the generation where it was totally normal for pregnant moms to smoke throughout the entire pregnancy and might not even think about it not being unhealthy for your baby.

I know that smokers feel persecuted in this day and age and feel that there are too many restrictions on where and when they can smoke, but if you don't think they'd be open to smoking outside for the evening, maybe you could ask for a "smoke-free zone" where you can be somewhat assured that Aunt Suzy won't be sitting next to you blowing smoke in your face. If you guys are going to be spending a lot of time in the Living Room, maybe that would be a good place. Or perhaps they have a Family Room or Den that can be used for the smokers to go and get a fix leaving the non-smokers to be able to breath in peace.

It's a touchy subject. Good luck!

Answer 6

Ask them not to smoke around you! If this is your husbands house, also ask him to be on your side and point out to someone if they are smoking around you. It's widely known that smoking effects everyone around the smoker, and also widely known that a woman should not smoke when pregnant. You are doing the right thing by politely asking them not to smoke inside where you are. But do remember not to drink alcohol yourself. This could be perceived as hypocritical, as also drinking alcohol is not advised by doctors for pregnant women.

Answer 7

Tell your hubbie to talk to his parents BEFORE you go. Thay should understand you concern. If not, then limit yourself to an area in the house where no one will be smoking or suggest that all smoking be done OUTSIDE the house. This can easily be explained to visitors. Afterall, your child is their grandchild. If it causes too many problems, change plans or have Christmas at your place and everyone will have to abide by your rules.

Answer 8

I think that you should let them know that you don't really like people smoking around you while you are Pregnant. They should understand regardless of the fact its their house. I am 33 weeks pregnant and my fiance's whole family smokes but they try to avoid doing it near me as much as they can even if it is at their house.

Answer 9

Congratulations sweetie! But I would just just falt out tell them....you're coming over for Christmas and they know you're pregant...shouldnt they have self respect for you? I'm sure they'll eithe rput the smokes up for YOU or you could just flat out tell them. They wont be mad at you because its for a right reason and if they want to smoke...go outside and smoke. Good luck:)

Answer 10

I think people smoking around others that don't smoke is rude and inconsiderate. But for the most part people who smoke, don't care one way or the other for others who don't smoke. The only thing they care about is being a disgusting skank and getting that smoke into their lungs. I personally woudn't even go to that Chirstmas function. If I did go, I would purposly stand outside in the cold to let everone know that you can't be around the smoke. Maybe it will make them feel stupid at least.