Pregnancy and Smoking

Protecting your baby from tobacco smoke and nicotine is a priority. Quitting is one of the best things you can do for yourself and to give your child a healthy start in life.

Smoking exposes you and the unborn baby to over 4,000 toxic chemicals, many of which are harmful to the growth of the fetus. What you eat, drink, and smoke is passed along to the developing baby. Breaking your tobacco addiction during your pregnancy may be hard, but you can do it.

BENEFITS OF QUITTING

It's never too late to quit. Stopping now has immediate benefits. You'll eliminate dangerous carbon monoxide and begin flushing other poisonous chemicals from your body.

  • Reduced Pregnancy Complications: Lower risk of complications during pregnancy and birth.

  • Healthier Baby: Increased chances of a healthier pregnancy and a healthier baby.

  • Decreased Stillbirth Risk: Lower risk of stillbirth.

  • Reduced Premature Birth: Fewer premature births.

  • Fewer Baby Problems: Your baby is less likely to have breathing, feeding, and health problems.

By quitting, you're taking a proactive step toward a healthier pregnancy and a brighter future for both you and your baby. Here are some tips that may help you quit smoking during pregnancy:

  • Talk to your doctor. They can help you develop a plan to quit and provide you with resources and support.

  • Join a support group. There are many support groups available for pregnant women who are trying to quit smoking.

  • Set a quit date. Choose a date that is at least a few weeks away so that you have time to prepare.

  • Develop a plan to avoid triggers. Identify situations or activities that make you want to smoke and develop a plan to avoid them.

  • Get help from friends and family. Ask your friends and family for support as you try to quit smoking.

  • Use nicotine replacement therapy. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking.  

  • Be patient. It takes time to quit smoking. Don't get discouraged if you have setbacks. Just keep trying.

You can do it! Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health and the health of your baby.

 
 

LIV: A PREGNANCY APP

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has launched a new mobile application aimed at improving infant and maternal health in Indiana. It features information designed to help women improve their health, whether they are planning to become pregnant, are already pregnant or are parents.

The app promotes early prenatal care and education about pregnancy. It includes information about nutrition, an interactive calendar, a journal feature and more than 100 articles, checklists and how-to’s based on best medical practices. It also includes links to other resources, including contacts for doctors, hospitals, food banks, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) clinics and birthing centers.

 
 

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO QUIT

You must be committed to live tobacco-free. Start now. Join the Expanded Pregnancy Program.

Congratulations on making the decision to quit.