 |
 |
 |
 |
Pregnancy & Smoking
If You Quit, Your Baby Does Too!
When you smoke, the cigarette chemicals reach your baby.
These chemicals keep your baby from getting the food and oxygen it needs to grow.
It’s best to quit before you get pregnant. But, quitting anytime while you are pregnant will help.
You’ll Have a Healthier Pregnancy
If you quit, you will reduce the risk of bleeding and miscarriage (losing your baby).
If you quit, your baby is more likely to reach full term. Full term babies are stronger and healthier.
Your Pregnancy May be Easier
Quitting will help you breathe easier and cough less.
You will have more energy (to carry your baby’s extra weight)!
Food will taste better. So you may enjoy a healthier diet.
Your Baby Will Live Longer
If you quit, your baby is less likely to be stillborn (born with no signs of life).
If you quit, your baby is less likely to die of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
If you quit, your baby is less likely to have asthma.
Your Breast Milk Will be Free of Cigarette Chemicals
The chemicals in cigarettes also enter your breast milk, which can cause colic, vomiting, diarrhea, fast heartbeats and increase your baby’s risk of SIDS.
Smoking may also reduce your supply of breast milk.
You’ll Live to See Your Child Grow: So Get Started!
- Pick a day to quit and stick to it.
- Throw out all your cigarettes.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.
- Chew gum, carrots or celery.
- Keep your hands busy. Knit a baby blanket.
- Make a baby album.
- Ask for support from your family, friends and health care provider.
- If you can’t stop, try to cut back. Think about your growing baby!