Quitting smoking while pregnant?

Question

I found out that I was pregnant about a week ago and have done okay quitting smoking so far, but I still break down and take a drag of a cigarette every now and then, and I'm concerned because I'm over eating and I know its not healthy to gain too much weight when you're pregnant either (I've already gained more than I should in the first trimester). The only time I've had any success quitting smoking in the past is when I used nicotine replacement. That time I only gained about three pounds. What I want to know is, is it safe to use the patch or the gum while I'm pregnant? Can it possibly be worse for you than smoking?

Answer 1

I went to a smoking cessation program directly through my OBGYN. I was given the patch (free of charge!). Not the 24 hour patch, I was given the 16 hour patch.
It is not worse than smoking. Cigarettes have about 4000 chemicals in them compared to the less than 5 chemicals in the patch.

Answer 2

Natural Quit Smoking Magic

Answer 3

Scientifically, scientists cannot be sure what harms fetuses specifically. Obviously, testing on humans and on human fetuses is not allowed, so this is something that is unknowable in the U.S. at this time. The general rule of thumb, however, is that you should avoid anything that could possibly harm the fetus. For now, this is said to include nicotine.

However, Nicotine has not been proven to directly harm fetuses. The only things that have been proven is that babies born to smoking mothers have two issues. 1. The babies tend to have a low birth weight. This is not a medical issue, like premature birth. It simply means that these babies tend to weigh a few ounces less. 2. The wombs tend to have a large amount of placenta. This is not a medical issue, either. It simply means that there's more placenta than usual. This could account for the rapid weight gain you're experiencing.

If you're worried about your unborn baby, then I would not suggest any form of nicotine. There may be less chemicals, but there's still nicotine in it. Scientists simply don't know if nicotine hurts the fetus or not, because we can't do any testing. Even though there may not be many case studies in the past of the effects of nicotine on fetuses, you should always err on the side of caution when it's a human life.

My personal suggest would be to see a hypnotherapist. It's a lot more reasonable than you think. A hypnotherapist runs approximately 25-100 for one session (which is all you need). That's a lot less compared to the cost of nicotine patches, gum, etc. It's worth trying before you go the patch, gum, etc. route. My aunt and uncle, smokers of over 30+ years each, each quit smoking immediately after seeing a hypnotherapist. It's worth the try, especially since you can be 100% sure that you aren't harming your precious baby.

Answer 4

I feel for you. I've been there. I was a very heavy smoker when I found out I was expecting my son. I quit cold turkey. I still feel quite guilty that I smoked at all during my pregnancy but I am happy to have quit. I did gain 50 pounds during my pregnancy (I know this had a lot to do with quitting smoking after 10 years!) but I was healthier than I'd ever been and gave birth to a healthy 8 lb. 5 oz. baby boy. My labor and delivery were awesome and I am glad I quit.

I don't think it's wise to use nicotine replacement. The nicotine is strong in those products and goes right into the blood stream. My doctor advised me against them and encouraged me to cold turkey it. He told me to get massages and accupuncture if necessary. I did get a couple massages to take the stress off which really helped. Just continue on cold-turkey and it will get easier. You will never have more motivation to quit than right now. Just remember not to start back up again. I breastfed my son (it is now recommended you do so for the first year at least) and it's given me more incentive to stay away from those things. It's nice not being a slave to it anymore.

Answer 5

You can't use the patch or gum while pregnant. I quit smoking 2 weeks before I got pregnant and they allowed me extra weight gain because I told them I had just quit smoking. It's actually healthier to gain 20 lbs quitting then continuing to smoke. Try to get yourself into an exercise routine of walking every day, keep celery or other healthy crunchy foods on hand so you can eat them when you want a cigarette. It's not too big of a deal if you take a drag or two a day but just keep trying. Best wishes and congratulations!

Answer 6

It isn't worse for you than smoking, but is still exposing the baby to nicotine. As for the eating, try chewing on straws or gum, or other safe non-food items between meals. The muscles of the stomach and other smooth muscles in the body actually use nicotine (in tiny doses) to work, that's why eating helps you feel better. Drinking water and chewing regular gum can help a lot. Another good help is to do Kegel exercises whenever you are feeling a craving. It strengthens the muscles of the groin and also give your body a little nicotine from smooth muscle contraction. Walking will do the same. Talk with your Ob-Gyn about the patch or gum, I do believe they are better than smoking for the baby. I hope this helps, congrats on the baby and awesome that you are trying to quit!

Answer 7

If you are having a baby and care about it, you need to stop cold turkey right now.
I know this is not the usual advice, but everyone I know who has quit smoking has done so cold turkey and they did it for a very good, emotional reason.
You have that reason - just quit and every time you want to smoke, think of your baby.

Answer 8

Don't smoke at all, not even a puff. Don't use the patch or gum either. C'mon you can do this; lots of us have. You just weigh the advantages of having a totally healthy baby with the selfishness of smoking. Sounds dumb when one thinks of it, really. Just try to eat healthily, and drink cold water or have a cup of tea when you get the urge. If you totally quit, it really doesn't take long for the uckies to stop... and keep yourself really busy.
Good luck, and do this for your BABY.

Answer 9

the nicotine will still be transmitted to your baby... you have to just buck up and do it... and plan to stay a non smoker for your child's health... it's bad to smoke while pregnant, but really bad for your child to have to grow up with a smoking parent, it causes asthma, ear infections and all sorts of other respiratory problems. Please... i was a child of a smoker. I am now 31 years old and i am still feeling the affects of it.

Answer 10

Quit smoking, that is the best thing that you can give to your unborn child!