Smoking While Pregnant

Deciding to Quit

The first thing a woman must do to stop smoking pregnant is to realize that the one thing that it primarily takes to quit smoking is genuine desire. Anyone who has ever smoked has playfully thought of giving it up, but unless the person deep down wants to quit, the attempt will not be fruitful. It really comes down to willpower.

Access the Risks

According to Smokefree.gov, for women who are pregnant smoking has detrimental effects on both mother and child. The risks include

• More difficult delivery
• Premature birth
• Low birth rate
• SIDS
• Physical and learning disabilities
• Death

Talk to your Health Care Provider

While you may want to try and quit cold turkey, according to WebMD, 95 percent of smokers who try to quit cold turkey end up smoking again. You should talk to your health care provider. Your doctor will be able to act as a guide in the process of quitting by helping you create a battle plan using programs or aids and provide support should you find that you are slipping.

Stay Away from Second-Hand Smoke

According to the March of Dimes, another helpful step in successfully quitting smoking is refraining from being around others who are smoking. If you and your partner both smoke, it would be beneficial if your partner would quit with you. It will vastly increase your chances of quitting and prevent the baby from inhaling second-hand smoke, which is just as dangerous.

What to Do with the Extra Money

Start a savings for your baby! Take the money you would usually spend on cigarettes, and put it into a savings account for your baby's college fund. This way you can visually see the money you are saving and put it towards your baby's future.

Keep Busy

Another step to quitting is to keep busy. Oftentimes a person smokes when they need something to do. Don't let that be you! Keep gum in your purse, pick up a hobby for your hands, but do not let your idle mouth or hands lead you to smoke.

Stay on Track

Most importantly, just keep in mind the reasons you are quitting. Keep a list posted on your refrigerator or your computer. Think about the health of your baby and how much happier you will be when you are finally free of your addiction.

For additional help, the Department of Health and Human Services provides a quitline for those who want to quit smoking. 1-800-QUITNOW

Sources: smokefree.gov, WebMD.com, MarchofDimes.com