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How to stop smoking for pregnancy and beyond

It’s no secret that smoking and pregnancy are not a good combination. It can be a big challenge to stop smoking with so many other things on your mind. The good news is that when you stop smoking, you’ll have more energy to devote to your new baby!

What are the dangers if you don’t stop?

• Your baby's growth slows, often resulting in low birthweight.
• There is a higher risk of complications or miscarriage.
• Infants are more likely to die of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
• Your baby is more likely to be diagnosed with asthma. Each year, 8,000 to 26,000 children are disgnosed with asthma as a result of having mothers who smoke.
• Infants exposed to secondhand smoke are at a higher risk for pneumonia, bronchitis and ear infections.

Benefits of not smoking during your pregnancy

• Your unborn baby will...
  • Be healthier.
  • Get more oxygen.
  • Not be exposed to the nearly 4,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke.
• You will...
  • Have more energy and breathe easier.
  • Be healthier.
  • Get more oxygen.
  • Possibly have an easier pregnancy.
  • Reduce your chance of bleeding and miscarriage.
• Your newborn will...
  • Not be exposed to the dangers of secondhand smoke.
  • Be less likely to remain in the hospital after you go home.
  • Be less likely to have asthma.
  • Have fewer colds and ear infections.
  • Cough and cry less often.
  • Have fewer wheezing problems.
  • Drink breast milk free of cigarette chemicals. 

How you can stop smoking

• Decide that you want to stop smoking.
• Think of why you want to stop smoking and write the reasons down. Keep this list with you at all times.
• Pick a stop date and stick to it.
• On your stop date, throw out all of your cigarettes, ashtrays, matches, lighters and anything else associated with smoking.
• Tell your friends and family that you are going to stop smoking and ask for their support.
• Clean and air out your house and car to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke.

How you can stay smoke-free after your baby is born

• Keep your list of reasons for stopping with you at all times.
• Reward yourself regularly for having stopped smoking.
• Never take even a puff of another cigarette. It will be hard to stop at “just one.”
• Don’t hold or buy cigarettes for others.
• Avoid dangerous situations such as boredom, overusing alcohol and stress. When these situations do occur, have a plan on how you will deal with them without smoking.
• Think of yourself as a non-smoker.
• Don’t rationalize that the danger to your baby has passed now that you are no longer pregnant. The poisons in secondhand smoke are equally as dangerous to your infant.