Do i have to stop smoking when I'm pregnant, did you?

Question

I am a pharmacy tech and i see lots of pregnant women who smoke in my store. My husband is really upset and wants me to stop but im 31 and we have smoked for years and i really like it.

Answer 1

Any women who gets pregnant should stop smoking, however, that is easier said then done. It is easier for some women then for others.

I was smoking 2 packs a day when I found out I was pregnant (surprise). I have always enjoyed smoking and honestly, did not want to give it up.

I did start by making a conscious effort to cut back. I was surprised at how man cig's I smoked that I really wasn't aware of, just more a force of habit then anything else.

I eventually got down to 5 a day then 2 then none. It wasn't really because I wanted too either. I just kept plugging along and making the effort.

As for people who are going to bash you that is to be expected and they have every right to do so I suppose. I have spoken with the old-timer neighbors of mine that smoked throughout their pregancies and drank (didn't know about that stuff in the 50's & 60's) and their kids turned out fine mostly.
My mom smoked with us and we all turned out fine. My one sister weighed almost 10 pounds when she was born.

My baby weighs almost 10 pounds.

It's an addiction and hard to quit and I think if you are planning on getting pregnant, I'd quit before then. However not all pregnancies are planned.

No matter what, good luck.

Answer 2

Your doctor should be able to give you the safest advice. As Id tell you to try nicotine patches but I dont know how safe that is. You will be in a bad mood as its an addiction. Ive never smoked myself but a woman at my work smoked before she found out she was pregnant. It was very difficult but the bad moods will only last for a few weeks then you will have beat the worst part. Allot of people try to replace there addiction with something else which isnt always wise - it depends what you replace it with. Everytime you crave it maybe do some exercise as this gives you a natural high. But Id talk to your doctor about what exercise would be the safest. Its very good what your doing as you not only helping you and your baby you helping your husband, your kids, your family and anyone who comes into contact with you when you are smoking. Good Luck I know you will do it

Answer 3

Yes you should stop smoking. You are a pharmacy tech, you should have plenty of information as to why a pregnant woman should not smoke. If you care about the health of your unborn child, you will stop smoking. Just because you see other pregnant women smoking does not make it right.

Answer 4

Smoking while pregnant is bad. It can lead to decrease birth weights, increased number of deformities, increased chance of miscarriage, premature birth, etc. The child will be at an increased risk of cancer. If you need help finding an appropriate quit method talk with your pharmacist. There are two prescription drugs which can help: Bupropion and Chantix. The best method is bupropion and nicotine patch used together. You'll put on the patch when you have bad cravings.

Answer 5

You should quit smoking. Its only 9 months out of your life - which in the scheme of things is a relatively short period of your life. However your smoking during pregnancy can have life time effects for your child. Its a choice that you have to make. Be selfish or give your baby a healthy start.

Answer 6

As a pharmacy tech you know the consequences of your action. If you can't put your own needs aside to grow a healthy child be prepared for health issues with your baby. I hope that can rest on your conscience b/c 9 mos is a relative short time to sacrifice, you think you'd be able to do it and smoke all you like after the baby is born (outside of course).

Answer 7

Well, technically you do not have to stop smoking, but shouldn't your baby have a say in this too? I am sure you wouldn't give a cigarette to your baby after he/she is born?!? It is very unhealthy for the baby if you smoke. All those toxins pass thru the placenta and go directly to baby. For the sake of your baby (and not to mention your health too) please quit for the time being. Even when baby is born, if you decide to cont. to smoke please take it outside. Secondhand smoke can be just as dangerous.

Answer 8

Please don't smoke. Your baby is subject to coming down with Asthma and other respective respiratory diseases. NOT always, but sometimes it occurs. I have actually seen it twice in my own family . . . In two separate generations. Let your baby breathe. Don't smoke. You will love yourself for it. To quit smoking, just quit. Say this is my last one and stop! You will feel so proud of yourself after about one week and then you will finally just get over it. Good luck and God Bless you and your family.

Answer 9

Yes you have to. You need to learn to make decisions that have nothing to do with what you want. You need to take care of somebody else now, and do things that you don't want to do for your baby. Smoking causes low birth weight, increases the risk of SIDS, birth defects, difficulties during labor, etc. DO some research about the effects of smoking. Your baby will also go through nicotine withdrawl once he or she is born. THINK ABOUT YOUR BABY NOT YOURSELF

Answer 10

Well, Hun, I would say if yu don't want to stop, then don't. Just cut back greatly. Smoking while pregnant can increase the chances of birth defects, and other complications. You should quit, yes, but by not wanting to yu won't. So at least cut back greatly.