Smoking while Pregnant?

Question

Im 8 weeks pregnant and i am finding it really difficult 2 stop. I have cut down loads but im still finding it hard 2 kick the habbit. I dont wanna be using patches or anything but does anyone have any tips on how i can stop x

I am fully aware of the complications of smoking while i am pregnant. All i am is asking 4 is advice not abusive comments.

Answer 1

Find distractions:
when you feel like smoking, find something to straighten up/clean... little things like scrubbing the toilet, scrubbing the sink, vaccuuming... you know... nothing huge, but just side cleaning jobs... or exercise (lightly since your pregnant), or read...
every time you feel like smoking, eat baby carrots w/ fat free dressing...
when you feel like you need to buy a pack, instead, buy an odwalla brand smootie or go to jamba juice.
the key is find fun, HEALTHY alternatives that will take some effort and be a distraction. Another idea is taking the money you would spend on cigarettes and go buy some makeup with it- each time you would buy the cigarettes, buy one tube of lip gloss, a bottle of nail polish... Or, put aside the $5.00 and save it up until you have $20or so and then buy a new shirt for you or and outfit for the baby! Fun, good things to motivate you...

I used to smoke and KNOW how hard it is to quit.
Also, I just went through a class called Wounded Heart, and it doesn't have anything to do with smoking, however it was painful. At the beginning our group leaders told us to find a "hook" that will keep us going-something to focus on beyond the pain of the experience to keep us going when we feel like we want to quit... my kids were mine. Maybe find a "hook" that will help you stop. And DETERMINE it that when you feel like going back, say to yourself, "I have somethig bigger than even my craving... (and fill in what you hook is as that something and let that carry you through)... those cravings are huge, they have a pull, but YOU CAN OVERCOME IT! It's hard, but possible.
And pray about it. Give it a try. And eventually, little by little, those cigarettes will lose their power... it's worth it. Your baby is worth it and I am so happy and proud of you for wanting this... you both matter and deserve the health that will come from your descision and dedication to quit.

Answer 2

It is very hard to do! Congrats on cutting back! When I found out I was pregnant I was smoking a pack and 1/2 a day ( I was on the depo shot and had no clue I was pregnant.... Thought I had a virus)! I cut back to less then a half a pack a day. When I spoke with my OB she told me to do what I could... That the best time to quit was between 12 and 16 weeks. I was told that the patch or any other aides were not allowed and dangerous to the baby. She explained that the stress of quitting was just as dangerous if not more before 12 weeks because of all of the major development going on. And, that it was dangerous to smoke after 16 weeks because the baby's lungs were developing. Anyway, to make a long story short... I cut back to about 2-3 smokes a day by 15 weeks and then I really thought about it. I would feel so guilty every time I smoked! My big thing was the fact that the baby would have to go through withdrawls when born! I could not imagine putting him through that by no choice of his own.... He would not even understand that was what was going on! Also, I kept thinking about wanting to breastfeed! So, those thoughts alone are what finally gave me the strength to quit. That and I chew gum like a crazy person! It was very hard but very worth it because now I feel like I'm ready to be a really good mom! The biggest thing is not to beat up on yourself, do what you can and quit when you are ready!
Very Best Wishes!
You can do it!

Answer 3

First of all, congratulations!! Cutting down helps a lot even if you don't completely stop for awhile.

Identify whether you have a physical addition or a habitual addiction. Mine was habitual and I found different things to do when I used to smoke. For instance, I stopped watching TV for months. Some quit drinking pop/coffee because they always lit up when doing so. It also helps to have something like Halls to suck on in difficult situations (cigarettes taste absolutely terrible with them). Changing your habits is what can break the habitual habit and eventually you can go cold turkey.

Physical addition is actually much worse because you actually feel better when you smoke. My brother has this problem and he'll quit for 5 years, then start again. I don't know the secret to quitting with this one, but cutting down as much as you possibly can is going to help both you and baby.

No one tip will be the miracle one,but combining different things can be very helpful. As another poster mentioned, if it is really stressing you out, cutting way back is better than going cold turkey. You may be someone who needs the patch and I frankly wouldn't use that until after baby is born. Any amount you can cut back is going to be good.

Finally, I wanted to say that the average smoker quits 7-9 times before they are completely successful. Hooray to those who only have to quit once and stay that way. But keep-up-the-good-work to the rest! I needed 6 or 7 times.

Answer 4

I know what you're going through. I went from smoking 20 a day to nothing! You can do it, you need the willpower. Find the weakest cigarettes and have one of them instead of a strong one you're used to. You will probably feel the craving still a bit as it's like smoking air. I went to 7 silk cut a day as soon as i found out i was pregnant and then after a few days cut it to 5 and so on. Within a month i'd stopped completely. Another insentive is seeing your baby on the monitor at the scan. It doesn't seem real at first does it? But when you see your baby on that screen, you dont want to smoke!
After i gave birth, i do have a couple of cigs when my baby is in bed, but that is my 'me' time while she's sleeping.
Good Luck hun, you can do it. Stay positive and you do have the willpower.

Answer 5

Yes I do, but first you've got to understand that it is extremely hard because if you have been smoking, it affects your brain with the drug nicotine which makes you addicted and not want to stop smoking. That's what makes it so hard for people to quit smoking. Even if people know all the bad things that smoking can cause it still isn't going to stop them because there is that piece of their brain that is addicted. Now there are several options. Here is my process of what you should do.

1. Get support. If you have a friend or family member who does not smoke, have them help you through the process.

2. You will get cravings for a cigarette, but think of what a wonderful baby you will have and if you're tempted to buy a ciagarette have that family member steer you away and clear your mind.

3. Possibly try those candy/ fake cigarette things, although they'll taste nothing alike.

4. Your 4th option is to go to a support group that will give you help. Try looking at this site for more options http://www.way2quit.com/How_To.aspx

Answer 6

Yeah, I know it's hard. I was a smoker, too, before I got pregnant. Luckily for me, I kind of developed an aversion to cigarettes during the first trimester. I really didn't even feel like smoking, and even the smell disgusted me. However, I started craving cigarettes again in the 2nd trimester, and that's when it got really hard to stay away.

What's worked for me is basically staying away from cigarettes altogether. I've asked family members and friends who smoke to abstain from doing it while they're around me, so that I won't get the urge to smoke. I might still get a craving after a stressful day at work or whatever, but I would never allow myself to actually buy a pack.

So that's my trick: Not having cigarettes around me. As long as I don't see and/or smell them, it's easier for me to control my cravings. And when you get a REALLY strong craving, try to do something else in order to take your mind off of it. Eventually, you'll even get used to not smoking. Most importantly, your baby will appreciate a smoke-free environment!!! Good luck and congrats!!!

Answer 7

You know some people on here don't understand the will power it takes to stop cold turkey. I'm a smoker and currently nine months pregnant. This is my second i've smoked with and first is healthy and second seems healthy so far. I tried and tried, and patches and gum and all that isn't good for you either. I've heard popsicles can help loads but not really sure i honestly never tried them...i guess everytime you crave a cigarette suck on a popsicle. I don't know other than that, if you're serious about quitting talk to your doctor, maybe they can give you some options.

Answer 8

The Book by Alan Carr, "The Easy Way to Quit Smoking" is probably your best bet as I don't think you can use patches or medications now that you are pregnant. I quit inJanuary using the book. I attempted patches and had a reaction to them, so I had to basically quit cold turkey. The fear of quitting is actually much harder than actually quitting, if that makes sense. The first two days are the worst but once you get past that you will be on easy street..once you have the nicotine out of your body. I'll send you my copy if you want, I don't need it. There are also many support groups on line. It helps to talk to others going through the same thing.

I can tell you Alan Carr's book is good, but I didn't believe it until I read the reviews on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Way-Stop-Smoking-Nonsmokers/dp/1402718616/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-6214159-6569426?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1185307229&sr=8-1

Answer 9

i stopped smoking the minute i saw the blue line on the test. the thought of poisoning my child and causing breathing difficulties and birth defects was enough to make me atop there and then however i appreciate for some people it is incredibly hard.
well done for cutting down every little helps, have u tried filling a jar with water and put a few of your cigarette butts in it, then every time you feel like a cigarette open the jar and smell it, the smell is repulsive and should put you off!
use another jar and everytime you feel like a cigarette put 50p in the jar and then sit and look at a baby catalougue at all the wonderful things you can buy with the money you have saved.
look at as many websites about smoking whilst pregnant now and everytime you feel like a cigarette. The stories and images and facts there are sure to put you off a little.
i would also speak to your midwife about nicotine relacement. im sure patches (if you are allowed to use them when prgnant) is better than the cigarettes as you wont have all the other chemicals/
good luck hope this helps and congrats on the pregnancy.

Answer 10

It is SOOO hard! I quit twice, once before I got pregnant with my daughter, and again when she was 12 mos. If you've already started cutting down, that's great! Try to delay the next smoke as long as possible. If you're smoking say, every 2-3 hours, try to go 3 hours 15 minutes... keep increasing the time in between. Get yourself something to nibble on all day. Carrot sticks were great for me, because of the shape,and they're healthy. Gum helps too, or chewing a straw or toothpick, anything to trick your brain.

You can also get yourself a relaxation or stress relief cd. Learn to do the deep breathing exercises when you feel like smoking. Sometimes you can get a little oxygen buzz from the deep breathing, and it helps.