smoking when preganant, what are the benefits?

Question

i found out i am 5 weeks pregnant with my second child, when i asked my dr to help me 6 month's ago with giving up smoking she said the nhs was strapped for cash and could not help me. (was not pregnant then). Do they have a policy on helping pregnant women with giving up smoking. i am currently on nicotine patches(£15 per week) which i can't afford, and yes i know if i can afford to smoke i can afford to buy patches but still need the odd cigerette every 3 days or so, after 3 day's i feel the withdrawel symptoms more than ever and so does my bloke..I have rang my local nhs stop smoking centre but they never answer or return my calls.could anyone tell me what i can do to get help with this. thanks if you can :)

Answer 1

Does no one read! this woman says she is giving up and wants to know what benefits she can get in the way of financial help! idiots!

firstly good on you for trying, you're better than me a had stopped already when i found i was pregnant but i started again halfway thru (i have heard it all so no one has need to think bad of me i was disappointed enough myself)
there are mixed views but my dr wouldn't give me patches as i only smoked 1 or 2 a day and the intake level from a patch was stronger, but if they do prescribe them which they should if it's beneficial to your baby it should be free as you're expecting xx

Answer 2

You are doing the right thing by attempting to quit smoking. You don't not need to stop cold turkey, because the stress it can cause you from withdrawals can possibly cause you to miscarry. Talk to your OB about your concerns and maybe they can help you. (There are different opinions on this, so you should ask a doctor for better information)

Don't let anyone make you feel bad as you are putting an effort into quitting smoking. It's a hard thing to do and I respect you for trying. If they can't help with the cost then keep trying to afford the patches/gum. (I know its easier said than done) You could also try posting on your local branch of craigslist.com and ask people for help in getting the patches to quit smoking. Explain the situation the same way you did here. I know that's worked for others in the past.

Congrats on your baby on the way and take care of yourself.

Answer 3

I have been a smoker then a non-smoker so many times that I've lost count. Last May I stupidly started smoking again and then found out I was pregnant in September. I immediately gave up but it is easy for me to say and do, I had intended on giving up anyway.
You really should try and give up. My midwife asked if I was a smoker when they did the first home visit and said they have a midwife who specialises in helping expectant mothers give up. You should make some enquiries and well done for looking into it. I think you know yourself that it isn't good for your unborn child.
There really are no benefits for smoking whilst pregnant. Good Luck

Answer 4

first off did you ask your doctor if you can wear the patch well pregnant???? my doctor had said that was not an option.
if you really wont to quit do it now, the longer you wait and the farther along the harder it will be on your baby. I know quiting smoking is very hard I just recently quit my self, changing your routine helps it's like reprogramming your mind. If you had a smoke after you eat do something Else get into the routine to do dishes, you have to replace the habit with a new habit (good one) if you were use to having a smoke after putting kids to bed change that with something active for 15 min like, cleaning chewing gum what ever it takes, as soon as you feel like having one get up and do something active for 15-20 min, drinking a glass of water fast helps. just think of the good start to life you will be giving your baby if you quit, and better shape and breath you will have for when you are in labour. good luck you can do it

Answer 5

Some doctors will tell you that it's not good for you or the baby to quit cold turkey. I've never tried the patch... my smoking habit was more of a need to hold and puff on the cigarette. i just cut back slowly. switch from lights to ultra lights... smoke only half a cig instead of a whole one. eventually you'll be down to 2 a day, then 1 then none! even when i got to that point i would bum puffs off of other people's cig's. it's hard to quit when those around you are smokers. but it's possible. i had to avoid situations where i knew people would be smoking... and i made my bf do it outside. good luck... you can do it!!

Answer 6

I don't think there are any benefits, but I'd go back to the doctors and see what he can give you now. Patches and smoking is really dangerous. If you can't go without a cig then I'd stop the patches and try and only smoke three a day or cut down to as much as you can. Worrying about it isn't go to help you either. Even if you just keep putting it out and having a couple of drags a day it might help more than having patches and getting stressed out. But that's just my opinion I'd go and see the doc. Good Luck!!!!

Answer 7

Smoking while pregnant is extremely irresponsible for you as a mother. The baby does smoke aswell because the nicotine goes into your blood stream which then travels to the baby. This can cause child-hood cancer. I can tell you now its the hardest thing to deal with. My eldest daughter was diagnosed with cancer at 18 months.I don't smoke and never have. Yet i kept thinking..what have i done to cause this ( apparently she was born with it!) if you smoke and this happens..it will be almost 50% your own fault..and if your child dies....imagine how you'll feel then? quit now...its the best thing for you and your baby

sorry i have a very strong opinion about smoking and drinking while pregnant, you have a responsibility for your babies health before it is even born......be a grown-up and quit now

Answer 8

I am sorry, but I stopped smoking the second I found out I was pregnant --- JUST STOP! or your going to have a premature baby(most likely) That will have breathing problems and will go on to have breathing problems the rest of its life...you want more for your baby don't you ?
If you can't just stop cold, I would atleast try to call the center again, or find someone that can help you with this. I just had a preemie myself but because of toxemia, not from smoking, but I have witnessed what smoking and other drugs do to babies, and it isn't pretty...
Please find the strength some how hun.
I wish the best for you and your unborn baby.

Answer 9

You can get your patches on prescritpion now that you are exempt. You should get your maternity exemption certificate at around 10 weeks. If you cannot wait that long you can still ask your doctor for patches, gum etc on prescription and pay the standard £6.65 or you may be exempt already, i wont be so nosey to ask if you are but if you are its all free for you now. There are many pharmamcies that do stop smoking sceams and you get all patches etc for free if you just go alone to the pharmacy one a week and have your progress monitored by the pharmasist. Good luck.

Answer 10

The patches are just as bad! I am no one to judge I smoked about 10 a week when I was pregnant but felt s-h-i-tt-y about it all the time.
Your doctor should have been more supportive maybe change surgerys?
I know how hard it is and I was working in a pub so I was around it all the time.
Good luck and I hope everythin turns out all right for you and the unborn!