Support for pregnancy and new mums
Benefits of stopping smoking in pregnancy
Stopping smoking during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for both you and your baby. As soon as you stop, harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and other damaging chemicals begin to clear from your body, helping more oxygen reach your baby.
When you stop smoking:
- you reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and birth
- you are more likely to have a healthier pregnancy and a healthier baby
- you reduce the risk of stillbirth
your baby is less likely to be born too early and face breathing, feeding or other health problems linked to premature birth - your baby is less likely to have a low birth weight. Babies born to people who smoke are usually smaller, which can make it harder for them to keep warm and may increase their risk of infections
- you reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), sometimes known as cot death
Stopping smoking also benefits your child as they grow. Children whose parents smoke are more likely to develop asthma and other serious illnesses that may require hospital treatment.
The sooner you stop, the better for you and your baby. But it is never too late to quit. Even stopping in the last few weeks of pregnancy can make a real difference.
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Secondhand smoke and your baby.
Secondhand smoke can harm your baby before and after they are born.
If your partner or anyone you live with smokes, the smoke in the air around you can still affect both you and your baby. It can also make quitting more difficult if others nearby are smoking.
Breathing in secondhand smoke during pregnancy can reduce your baby’s birth weight and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), sometimes known as cot death.
Babies who grow up in homes where people smoke are also more likely to be admitted to hospital in their first year with illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Creating a smokefree home and car helps give your baby the healthiest possible start in life.
Using Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Many women find that quitting smoking is easier with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), especially when it is combined with support from a stop smoking service, just like Smokefree Hampshire.
NRT can be used during pregnancy. It contains nicotine, but none of the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes, making it a much safer option than continuing to smoke. It works by giving your body a small, controlled amount of nicotine to help manage cravings while you stop smoking.
Stop smoking tablets such as Varenicline or Bupropion are not recommended during pregnancy.
NRT is available in several forms, including:
- patches
- gum
- inhalator
- nasal spray
- mouth spray
- oral strips
- lozenges
- microtabs
Our support includes free NRT products - your Stop Smoking Advisor will help you choose an option that's just right for you.
If you are experiencing pregnancy-related nausea or vomiting, nicotine patches may be a more suitable option.
Smoking and female fertility
Smoking can make it harder to become pregnant and can affect several parts of the reproductive system.
The chemicals in cigarette smoke can affect hormones, damage the fallopian tubes, and make it harder for a fertilised egg to implant in the uterus. Even low levels of smoking can reduce the chances of conception.
Smoking is also linked to a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy, where a pregnancy develops outside the womb. Exposure to secondhand smoke may also increase this risk.
Women who smoke may experience shorter or more irregular menstrual cycles, which can make ovulation less predictable and reduce the chances of becoming pregnant.
Smoking is also associated with earlier menopause, which can shorten a woman’s reproductive years. It may also reduce the success rates of fertility treatments such as IVF.
Smoking, contraception and menopause
Women who take the combined oral contraceptive pill are strongly advised not to smoke. Smoking increases the risk of heart disease and blood clots in people who use the pill.
Smoking is also linked to an earlier start to menopause. The more cigarettes someone smokes, the greater the risk.
Stopping smoking may help reduce the risk of early menopause and can improve overall reproductive health.
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FAQs
Is it safe to use stop smoking aids during pregnancy?
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can be used during pregnancy. NRT provides nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes.
Your Stop Smoking Advisor will be able to advise you on the most suitable options.
Can I vape during pregnancy?
Vaping is not risk-free, but it is much less harmful than smoking because it does not produce tar or carbon monoxide.
Some people use vaping to help them stop smoking. Your Stop Smoking Advisor will discuss the most suitable options with you.
Why do I need to do a carbon monoxide test?
You will be asked to complete a simple breath test at midwife appointments and your appointment with your Stop Smoking Advisor. This is to measure carbon monoxide levels in your breath.
Carbon monoxide is a harmful gas in cigarette smoke that reduces the oxygen available to your baby.
Does smoking affect fertility?
Smoking can make it harder to become pregnant and can affect fertility in both women and men.
Stopping smoking before or during pregnancy can improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
What if I’ve tried to stop before and it didn’t work?
Stopping smoking can be difficult, and many people try several times before quitting successfully.
Specialist support significantly increases your chances of quitting, and Smokefree Hampshire is here to help.