6 Easy Ways to Stop Smoking for Pregnant Women
Congratulations! You are glowing. You are about to start an incredible journey of motherhood. But in between this excitement, a worry might linger- CIGARETTES. Pregnancy and smoking are the most deadly combination, it’s harmful for both of you and your baby. So, you are looking for an easy way to stop smoking, right? Well, before that you need to know how harmful it is.
The American Pregnancy Association says that 12-20% percent of pregnant women are addicted to cigarette smoking. As a result, every year more than 1000 babies born in the U.S. die just because of their mother’s smoking habit. So, as a mom-to-be, it is your responsibility to quit smoking during pregnancy.
Smoking tobacco introduces you to toxic, cancer-causing substances, which may impact your overall health. It carries risks, such as:
- Preterm birth and low birth weight
- Cleft lip or palate
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Placenta Previa
- Deep vein thrombosis
But are you unsure about where to begin? Here are 6 tips you need to follow.
The Easy Way to Stop Smoking: 6 Useful Tips & Tricks to Follow
1. Create a List of Reasons for Quit Smoking:
Smoking is an addiction which you need to quit for the well-being of your own and baby’s health. So, while you’re planning to quit smoking, take your time to write down the reasons behind it. When you face challenges, go through the list as a reminder. Let’s know why quit smoking is beneficial for you and baby:
- Improve your overall health, reduce the chances of heart diseases, chronic lung illness
- Enhance your energy level and you will help better throughout the pregnancy journey
- Lowers the risk of long-term health issues for your baby
- Reduces the chances of baby being born underweight or premature
2. Take Your Initiative:
Experts believe that quitting smoking abruptly is the easy way to stop smoking. However, you might find yourself smoking sometimes unintentionally while trying to quit the habit. Don’t feel bad or ashamed for this. For quitting smoking successfully, it may take 5 to 30 attempts or more than that.
Always remember one thing, staying smoke-free promote your baby’s growth and help the baby to get more oxygen.
3. Opt for Nicotine Replacement Therapy:
If you are worried about the withdrawal symptoms from quitting cigarettes that are difficult to handle, NRT may help you to deal with that.
While the Nicotine Replacement Therapy still carries some risk to a developing fetus, it may be safer than continuing to smoke. Especially if you are a heavy smoker, then NRT will be the right choice for you.
In 2022, a study showed that various NRT forms, like chewing gums, sprays, lozenges are safer compared to the nicotine patches. The reason behind this is the faster acting NRT lowers the chances of fatal exposure to nicotine.
It is also advisable to avoid FDA approved prescription smoking cessation medications like Bupropin or Varenicline unless it is directed by your doctor. So, before you start the NRT plan, consult with your physicians.
4. Get Your Household Involved:
According to research from 2018, quitting tobacco is often easier if others in your household do not smoke or are trying to quit the habit. Encouraging them to quit smoking is the easy way to stop smoking. This will provide mutual accountability and increase the chances of having a smoke-free environment for your baby.
Removing all smoking reminders from your surroundings can also help you to stay focused on quitting. Discard cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays or get rid of furniture and clothes that smell like smoke, is the easy way to stop smoking.
5. Use Some Distractions:
Redirecting your energy to other activities can be a helpful strategy to quit tobacco for smoking ladies who are pregnant. You can opt for the following alternatives, like:
- Taking a walk or some easy exercise for pregnant ladies
- Drinking water or having a cup of tea
- Chewing gum
- Engaging yourself in knitting and origami
A 2019 study showed that most of the pregnant smoking ladies opt for doing exercise to reduce stress and distract themselves from smoking habit.
6. Go for Natural Remedies:
Many smoking ladies find that complementary alternative medicine (CAM) approaches support their efforts to quit smoking. Here are some approaches that you can follow:
- Acupuncture: This method may alleviate nicotine withdrawal symptoms, aiding in your commitment to quit. Experts generally consider acupuncture safe during pregnancy.
- Hypnotherapy: This technique can boost your confidence and the easy way to stop smoking. A 2022 research review suggests it might be more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
- Mindfulness Meditation: Meditation can help you cope with strong emotions that trigger the urge to smoke. A 2016 review found that 25.2% of participants who used mindfulness training to quit smoking remained abstinent for four months or longer, compared to 13.6% who did not use mindfulness approaches.
Final Words
Quitting smoking is a marathon, not a sprint. But don’t worry with the right tips and the support of your doctor, you can achieve a smoke-free pregnancy.
Remember, every cigarette-free day is a victory for both of you and your baby. Take a deep breath, you’ve got this!
By involving your household, utilizing distractions, and exploring natural remedies, you’re taking proactive steps toward a healthier you and a healthier baby.
Stay determined, seek support when needed, and celebrate every milestone—your commitment to quitting is a powerful gift to yourself and your baby’s future.
FAQs
1. Can I Use Smoking Cessation Medications Bupropin or Varenicline During Pregnancy?
Smoking cessation medications like bupropion and varenicline are generally not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the baby.
The risks of using these medications during pregnancy include potential harm to the developing fetus. Bupropion may increase the risk of miscarriage, while varenicline has shown possible associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Both medications lack sufficient research on their safety in pregnancy, so it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider.
2. How Can I Manage Smoking Cravings Without Using Medication?
If you want to manage smoking cravings without medication then staying hydrated. Also opt for chewing sugar-free gum, snacking on healthy foods, and engaging in activities that keep your hands and mind busy.
Regular exercise, relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation, and seeking support from friends, family, or support groups can also help.
Congratulations! You are glowing. You are about to start an incredible journey of motherhood. But in between this excitement, a worry might linger- CIGARETTES. Pregnancy and smoking are the most deadly combination, it’s harmful for both of you and your baby. So, you are looking for an easy way to stop smoking, right? Well, before that you need to know how harmful it is.
The American Pregnancy Association says that 12-20% percent of pregnant women are addicted to cigarette smoking. As a result, every year more than 1000 babies born in the U.S. die just because of their mother’s smoking habit. So, as a mom-to-be, it is your responsibility to quit smoking during pregnancy.
Smoking tobacco introduces you to toxic, cancer-causing substances, which may impact your overall health. It carries risks, such as:
- Preterm birth and low birth weight
- Cleft lip or palate
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Placenta Previa
- Deep vein thrombosis
But are you unsure about where to begin? Here are 6 tips you need to follow.
The Easy Way to Stop Smoking: 6 Useful Tips & Tricks to Follow
1. Create a List of Reasons for Quit Smoking:
Smoking is an addiction which you need to quit for the well-being of your own and baby’s health. So, while you’re planning to quit smoking, take your time to write down the reasons behind it. When you face challenges, go through the list as a reminder. Let’s know why quit smoking is beneficial for you and baby:
- Improve your overall health, reduce the chances of heart diseases, chronic lung illness
- Enhance your energy level and you will help better throughout the pregnancy journey
- Lowers the risk of long-term health issues for your baby
- Reduces the chances of baby being born underweight or premature
2. Take Your Initiative:
Experts believe that quitting smoking abruptly is the easy way to stop smoking. However, you might find yourself smoking sometimes unintentionally while trying to quit the habit. Don’t feel bad or ashamed for this. For quitting smoking successfully, it may take 5 to 30 attempts or more than that.
Always remember one thing, staying smoke-free promote your baby’s growth and help the baby to get more oxygen.
3. Opt for Nicotine Replacement Therapy:
If you are worried about the withdrawal symptoms from quitting cigarettes that are difficult to handle, NRT may help you to deal with that.
While the Nicotine Replacement Therapy still carries some risk to a developing fetus, it may be safer than continuing to smoke. Especially if you are a heavy smoker, then NRT will be the right choice for you.
In 2022, a study showed that various NRT forms, like chewing gums, sprays, lozenges are safer compared to the nicotine patches. The reason behind this is the faster acting NRT lowers the chances of fatal exposure to nicotine.
It is also advisable to avoid FDA approved prescription smoking cessation medications like Bupropin or Varenicline unless it is directed by your doctor. So, before you start the NRT plan, consult with your physicians.
4. Get Your Household Involved:
According to research from 2018, quitting tobacco is often easier if others in your household do not smoke or are trying to quit the habit. Encouraging them to quit smoking is the easy way to stop smoking. This will provide mutual accountability and increase the chances of having a smoke-free environment for your baby.
Removing all smoking reminders from your surroundings can also help you to stay focused on quitting. Discard cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays or get rid of furniture and clothes that smell like smoke, is the easy way to stop smoking.
5. Use Some Distractions:
Redirecting your energy to other activities can be a helpful strategy to quit tobacco for smoking ladies who are pregnant. You can opt for the following alternatives, like:
- Taking a walk or some easy exercise for pregnant ladies
- Drinking water or having a cup of tea
- Chewing gum
- Engaging yourself in knitting and origami
A 2019 study showed that most of the pregnant smoking ladies opt for doing exercise to reduce stress and distract themselves from smoking habit.
6. Go for Natural Remedies:
Many smoking ladies find that complementary alternative medicine (CAM) approaches support their efforts to quit smoking. Here are some approaches that you can follow:
- Acupuncture: This method may alleviate nicotine withdrawal symptoms, aiding in your commitment to quit. Experts generally consider acupuncture safe during pregnancy.
- Hypnotherapy: This technique can boost your confidence and the easy way to stop smoking. A 2022 research review suggests it might be more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
- Mindfulness Meditation: Meditation can help you cope with strong emotions that trigger the urge to smoke. A 2016 review found that 25.2% of participants who used mindfulness training to quit smoking remained abstinent for four months or longer, compared to 13.6% who did not use mindfulness approaches.
Final Words
Quitting smoking is a marathon, not a sprint. But don’t worry with the right tips and the support of your doctor, you can achieve a smoke-free pregnancy.
Remember, every cigarette-free day is a victory for both of you and your baby. Take a deep breath, you’ve got this!
By involving your household, utilizing distractions, and exploring natural remedies, you’re taking proactive steps toward a healthier you and a healthier baby.
Stay determined, seek support when needed, and celebrate every milestone—your commitment to quitting is a powerful gift to yourself and your baby’s future.
FAQs
1. Can I Use Smoking Cessation Medications Bupropin or Varenicline During Pregnancy?
Smoking cessation medications like bupropion and varenicline are generally not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the baby.
The risks of using these medications during pregnancy include potential harm to the developing fetus. Bupropion may increase the risk of miscarriage, while varenicline has shown possible associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Both medications lack sufficient research on their safety in pregnancy, so it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider.
2. How Can I Manage Smoking Cravings Without Using Medication?
If you want to manage smoking cravings without medication then staying hydrated. Also opt for chewing sugar-free gum, snacking on healthy foods, and engaging in activities that keep your hands and mind busy.
Regular exercise, relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation, and seeking support from friends, family, or support groups can also help.