Quitting Smoking During Pregnancy

You may have just learned you are pregnant, or you may be months along. Either way, it’s not too late to make a change. Every cigarette you don’t smoke is a benefit to you and your baby. Deciding not to smoke can be a tough choice, but you can change. Even if you’ve tried before, don’t give up. Many smokers try quitting several times before they succeed.

Babies born to women who smoke

Problems babies born to women who smoke include:

• May be smaller than normal at birth

• Are more likely to die of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

• May be cranky, restless, and get sick more often

• Are more likely to have learning problems as they develop 

• Are more likely to have childhood obesity

Pick a way to quit

You can stop smoking in either of the ways listed below:

• Cold turkey. Today you smoke, tomorrow you don’t. This is rough at first, but changes take place quickly and withdrawal may be shorter.

• Tapering off. Over time, reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke each day. To do so, increase the amount of time between each smoke. Try not to inhale.

Set a quit date

No matter which method you choose, pick a date to quit smoking entirely:

• Choose a date

• After picking the day, mark it in bold letters on a calendar.

Set limits

Whether you decide to quit cold turkey or to taper off, setting limits can help you quit:

• Limit where you smoke. Pick 1 room or a porch, and smoke only in that place.

• Hang a list of “quit benefits” in the spot where you smoke. Put 1 on the refrigerator and 1 on your car dashboard.

• Join a stop-smoking group.