1 cigarette while pregnant?

Question

I used to be a smoker. I quit about a month into my pregnancy, before I even knew I was pregnant, because I had strept throat and it was too painful to smoke. I haven't smoked since. I'm now 17 weeks. I know a lot of women still smoke during pregnancy. I also know all the risks of doing so. Anyway, I was curious as to how risky or bad or harmful it would be to have ONE cigarette at this point. Would one cigarette still increase the possibility of low birth weight and etc etc.....?

Please note:
the question here is not about me being able to have ONE cigarette.
it is about the effect of ONE cigarette on my baby.
thanks.

Answer 1

I'm sure I'll get attacked for this answer, but to be honest with you one cigarette isn't anymore harmful than taking a Tylenol for a headache at this point in the pregnancy. Don't get me wrong. I'm NOT saying go ahead and have a cigarette. I also would like to point out that I'm not a medical authority of any sort. I just have two kids of my own and I've learned a few things.

The entire pregnancy is a crucial development time, but the first trimester is especially important. Lots of things can go wrong at that time. For those who have trouble with miscarriages, making it out of the first trimester is a BIG relief. I know it was for me. Doesn't mean things can't go wrong later though. I don't mean to scare you. I'm just telling it like it is.

Yes, there are women who smoke, do drugs, and/or drink throughout the entire pregnancy. Sometimes their babies come out okay and other times their babies have issues. Everyone is different.

Having a cigarette right now doesn't necessarily mean your baby is coming out messed up. It will increase the chances that your baby may have issues, but not significantly. The major concern here is ADDICTION. Will you go back to smoking? You know how it goes - one leads to another and then another, etc. Next thing you know you're back smoking full-time.

I'm not here to scold you on your thoughts about having a cigarette. But you have to consider why you want a cigarette right now. Most likely the answer is stress and if this is the case, find something else to destress with. Feel the need for a cig? Try gum. Or reach for a glass of water, milk or juice. (No alcohol.) Take up a hobby or something.

Remember this: everything you do affects your baby. This includes going for a walk in the park getting fresh air to taking medicine for aches and pains. It all adds up.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Some babies who are exposed to cigarettes during pregnancy have no effects, while others have a lot. You never know what could hapen. Plus, that one could turn into 2, then 3 etc. I would not even attempt it. You can do it! My mom quit when she found out she was pregnant, and made it smoke free until I was about 3 or 4. But then she smoked outside and still does.

Answer 3

The effect one cigarette would have on your baby would be minimal. However, if that one cigarette is going to be a stepping stone to get you full-blown smoking again, it's a bad idea. Once you are a full-time smoker while pregnant, your baby gets addicted to it to and it causes more stress on your baby to quit again than it would if you kept smoking. I know plenty of people, myself included, who have smoked during pregnancy and none of their children were affected at all. Don't listen to all the people who get high and mighty with you about smoking and being pregnant. It's a stressful situation and who are they to judge?

Answer 4

If you've already quit, then don't even have one. I have 2 children, both of which I smoked while pregnant. Out of those 2 only one had a low birthweight and that was because of an accident I was in and went into premature labour. The eldest was 8'11, 3 weeks late and now at 16 years of age is still normal, healthy and my smoking didn't harm her in the least.

Answer 5

I know how hard it is to quit but please don't do it. Not even one. It's true some women smoke during pregnancy and claim that their babies come out okay but you never know... everyone's body is different and your baby has no choice if you smoke or not.

I'm not trying to get preachy on you, just know how hard it is to stop smoking and ONE cigarette will turn into ONE pack and then you'll really have something to worry about.

Congratulations on your baby!

Answer 6

Well I smoked thru all my pregancies , at least a pack a day. All 3 kids big, fat and healthy, and stayed healthy into adulthood. Im not saying anyone SHOULD smoke during pregnacy. There is much more info about the risks now than there where back then. But ONE cigarette????? Nah wouldnt cause any problems I wouldnt think.

Answer 7

No, but once you give in to the urge to smoke you will not be able to stop again. And anyway you are inhaling some passive smoke here and there and that is enough risk already. Pl. control your urge for the sake of the baby inside.

Answer 8

I smoked with both kids more with my first then my second my first was 7.10 and my second was 6.10
all my friends smoked while pregnant and they have healthy kids,my mom smoked while pregnant with me and I'm fine.If your eating healthy and getting lots of rest and not stressed out your baby will be fine!

Some doctors will tell you not to quit because the withdrawls you have may affect your baby .

1 cigarette will not make a difference I'm sure!

Answer 9

You might just as well give the cigarette straight to your baby and I am sure you wouldn't want to do that. Cigarette smoke is full of poisons.

Answer 10

why would you want to smoke ONE cigarette? if you have already quit then your best bet would be to NOT start up again, honestly, after that ONE cig you dont think you will want another? I smoked occasionally wihle I was pregnant and my kids were all healthy, but I am one of the lucky ones, your better off NOT taking your chances!