Is it true that quitting smoking while pregnant is worse that continuing to smoke?

Question

One of my friends is pregnant and she claims her doc told her quitting smoking would put stress on the baby and he told her to continue to smoke. I can't picture a doc ever telling someone to continue to smoke...pregnant or not!

Well she is 8 months along now. I don't see how women can think smoking is okay for an unborn baby when there are warnings right on the cigarette pack about it. Also, it is unhealthy for adults so what do they think it does to an unborn child?

Also, she is planning on breastfeeding!!!! Isn't that dangerous to do when you smoke?

Answer 1

I would be very interested to know what doctor would say that...I have never heard that myself but I can't imagine that any good would come out of that.....Good Luck to your friend!

Answer 2

Natural Quit Smoking Magic

Answer 3

This is a controversial subject in the medical field. Some doctors will say that it's okay to quit, while others tell you that if you can't quit without freaking out, you should try to cut back as much as possible as the withdrawals can be more harmful to the fetus than the smoking itself can be.

I've heard both, and I've done both, BOTH times in accordance to what my doctors told me to do. My son is healthy and almost ten. He never had asthma, breathing problems, or anything else that you associate with smoking throughout pregnancy.

It is, however, a matter of CHANCE. It may not be a HUGE chance, but with every cigarette you smoke, the more you roll the dice with your baby's health.

With this pregnancy, I've been smoke free for over a month, and I feel great (aside from the pregnancy itself).

Depends on the woman, and it depends on the doc, though.

Answer 4

My cousin smoked when she first got pregnant and her doctor told her not to stop but rather to cut down. He told her that if she smoked long enough while pregnant the baby would go through withdrawals if she totally quit.

Answer 5

OMG!!!! THAT IS TERRIBLE! She should quit....immediately. That child could have SIDS....breathing problems (my cousin smoked her entire pregnancy and her baby was on a respiratory monitor for 6 months) and also a low-birth weight. Allergies and many, many other things. I would DEFINITELY tell her to get a new doctor. That is the most absurd thing I've ever heard. Smoking IS TERRIBLE during pregnancy. Basically, when she smokes, her baby smokes too.

Answer 6

I do not even beleive her doctor told her that! Its total nonsense. I dont see how anyone can smoke during pregnancy, besides hurting your baby it made me totally nauseous. Thats how i new i was pregnant

Answer 7

The sooner your friend quits the better. Continuing to smoke is worse as it puts the baby at greater risk for all sorts of complications including DEATH. Women tell themselves the excuse that the baby will go through withdrawel and that's why they didn't quit. What do they think happens after the baby is born and is not getting all that nicotene in their systems???
I feel smoking while pregnant is the same as feeding poison to a baby. It should be considered abuse.

Answer 8

My God no! She needs to quit this moment. She does know going to a chiropracter for pregnancy is practically criminal doesn't she??? 'Cause that's the only batch of folks who get to call themselves Doctor who are cracked in the head enough to tell her something like that!

Tell her to see the chiropracter when she wants massage paid for by her insurance company and not for anything else! See an OBGYN and leave the quack-o-practers out of her baby's life.

Answer 9

I think that is something women tell themselves to justify smoking. I understand its hard to quit (been there), but I also worked with babies in the NICU, and trust me, it is not worth it! They have drugs you can take for anxiety during pregnancy if quitting is difficult.

Answer 10

If you confirmed that your friend told you the truth, get the doctor's name/number and report him to the American Medical Association.