Smoking and Pregnancy

Nicotine, the drug found in tobacco, is very addictive. If you smoke, try to quit or cut down your smoking as soon as you find out you are pregnant. If you quit, cut down or avoid second hand smoke any time during your pregnancy, it will help you and your baby. Some smokers find it easier to quit or cut down when they are pregnant.

The Nicotine Intervention Counselling Centre (NICC) has counsellors trained to offer individualized counselling to pregnant women, offer treatment tailored to your needs and regular follow-up.

Contact them at 565-7344.

Quitting and Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, there are many great reasons to quit smoking – for you and for your baby.

The Risks

There are many risks with smoking at any time, but some specific ones if you smoke while you
are pregnant.

• If you smoke while pregnant you are twice as likely as a non-smoker to have a
  miscarriage.
• Your baby will get less oxygen and your placenta will not be as healthy as it could
  be.
• You will not be as strong and healthy as you could be during labour and delivery.
  It’s a myth that quitting smoking while pregnant will cause too much stress for the baby and
  should be avoided. And both you and your baby will start to enjoy the benefits after just one
  day of not smoking.

If you have concerns or questions, talk to your doctor or public health nurse.

Why Quit?

Benefits for Your Baby:

Quitting smoking during your pregnancy:

• Increases the amount of oxygen your baby will get.
• Increases the chances that your baby’s lungs will work well.
• Lowers the risk that your baby will be born too early.
• Increases the chances of having a normal weight, healthy baby.
• Increases the chances your baby will be healthy enough to come home from the hospital with you.
• Carbon monoxide and other chemicals from cigarettes get into the baby’s blood. They can harm your baby and limit the baby’s growth.
• Once your baby is born he or she will not be exposed to second-hand smoke that is very
  harmful and can be a factor in sudden infant death syndrome (crib death).

Benefits for You:

Quitting smoking during pregnancy:

• Gives you more energy – energy that you will need with a new baby.
• It helps you breathe easier and keep up with a running toddler.
• Saves you money that you can spend on other things, for yourself and your baby.
• Makes your clothes, hair, and home smell better.
• Makes your food taste better.
• Lets you feel good about what you’ve done for yourself and your baby.

Quitting smoking early in pregnancy is best, but quitting at any time has benefits for you and
your baby.

It’s never too late to quit smoking during your pregnancy.

(Source: Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission at http://tobacco.aadac and Asking to Listen)
'Stop Smoking - A Cessation Resource for Those Who Work With Women' from
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To learn more about smoking and pregnancy, click here.