Smoking is a highly addictive habit that’s notoriously difficult to quit. However, like many parents-to-be, you may find that your pregnancy gives you the motivation you need to finally give up smoking once and for all.
Learn more about the effects of smoking on your baby when you’re pregnant, advice about vaping during pregnancy, plus where to get support if you’re quitting smoking.
The dangers of smoking during pregnancy are numerous, particularly in terms of the effect it can have on your baby. Risks to your baby include:
However, the good news is, stopping smoking in early pregnancy can almost entirely eradicate these risks6. That’s why stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your baby.
Cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals7. The majority of harmful effects of cigarette smoke primarily stem from carbon monoxide, tar and nicotine1. These chemicals enter your blood stream and are passed onto your baby via your placenta and umbilical cord, restricting the supply of oxygen to your growing baby8.
The Royal College of Physicians approximates that there is 5% of the risk of normal cigarettes in e-cigarettes So whilst vaping is not completely risk free, it is far less harmful than regular smoking and may be a helpful way to begin your journey to quitting smoking9.
Even if you don’t smoke yourself, second-hand smoke can still have negative effects on you and your baby10. If you live with someone who smokes, and they’re unable to quit you should avoid being near them when they’re smoking.
One of the most toxic chemicals in cigarettes is carbon monoxide1. When you smoke, carbon monoxide replaces some of the oxygen going into your lungs and gets into your bloodstream, affecting your baby. If you, or someone you live with, smoke, a simple breath test will show how much carbon monoxide you and your baby have been exposed to, and therefore how much risk you’re at from smoking related illness. Your midwife will likely perform this test during your booking appointment and depending on your results, at subsequent appointments too11.
If you’re finding it hard to quit smoking, your GP may prescribe Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) in the form of patches, chewing gum, sprays (nasal or mouth) or lozenges. These only contain nicotine (the addictive substance in cigarettes) and therefore removes the risk of other harmful chemicals in cigarettes such as tar and carbon monoxide12. It’s worth noting that patches should only be worn for a maximum of 16 hours in any 24-hour period13. A good way to remember this is to remove the patch at bedtime.
It’s best to avoid liquorice-flavoured nicotine products, due to the negative effects associated with excessive amounts of liquorice root11.
If you’re serious about quitting, studies show you're three times more likely to stop successfully if you use a combination of nicotine replacement and specialist support14.
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Last reviewed: 28th July 2020
Reviewed by Nutricia’s Medical and Scientific Affairs Team
