Nicotine and other toxic substances in cigarette smoke can reach the baby through the placenta during pregnancy. The strongest message is not frightening, but hopeful: quitting smoking at any stage of pregnancy provides benefits for both mother and baby.
What can it affect?
Smoking is associated with an increased risk of fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, and preterm birth. The CDC also reports that fetal lung and brain development can be adversely affected. Recent imaging and long-term cohort studies support that prenatal tobacco exposure may be associated with childhood neurodevelopment.
What is gained by quitting?
Quitting early in pregnancy can reduce a significant portion of the adverse effects on fetal growth. Quitting at a later stage is also beneficial; the goal is not to be ‘perfect,’ but to stop exposure as early as possible.
Are electronic cigarettes safer?
No. Electronic cigarettes containing nicotine are also not considered safe during pregnancy. Nicotine can pose a risk to the developing brain and lungs.
The most practical step
- Keep the home and vehicle completely smoke-free.
- Aim for the partner and close circle to participate in the quitting process rather than just smoking outside the home.
- If quitting is difficult, discuss behavioral and medical support options appropriate for pregnancy with your physician.
Our approach at our Bodrum clinic: Rather than blaming the person who smokes during pregnancy, we prioritize evaluating the level of addiction, triggers, and the need for support to create a safe quitting plan.
