During pregnancy, smoking is one of the few risk factors that you can eliminate on your own. Here’s what you need to know about nicotine and tobacco when expecting.
Why exactly is smoking harmful during pregnancy?
When you smoke, you inhale not only nicotine but combustion byproducts. If you are pregnant, both are harmful to the baby, but it can be difficult to distinguish between the effects of pure nicotine and those of cigarette byproducts.
For example, it was found that smoking is often the cause of cryptorchidism in boys [1]. Cryptorchidism is when one or both testicles do not descend into the scrotum, and the child later has to undergo surgery.
A mom who smokes is more likely to miscarry or go into early labor than a non-smoker [2]. But, most likely, this is not only due to the nicotine but also to the inhalation of combustion byproducts [3].
Smoking during pregnancy can lead to intellectual disability in the child. For a long time, it was thought that it was because smoke inhalation compromised the baby’s oxygen supply during intrauterine development. However, some studies have shown that even smokeless tobacco, like e-cigarettes, produces the same results [4].
Should I avoid using nicotine replacement therapies to quit smoking?
The first studies regarding nicotine replacement therapy were conducted before the advent of electronic cigarettes. They tested things like nicotine patches and nicotine gum. It turned out that pregnant women metabolize nicotine faster than non-pregnant women, and so they require higher replacement doses than other people. That can lead to a nicotine concentration in the amniotic fluid almost double than that found in the mother’s plasma [5]. So nicotine replacement therapy is not considered a good solution for expectant mothers.
Are e-cigarettes (vapes) harmful?
It was commonly thought that electronic cigarettes were safer than traditional ones because of the absence of combustion byproducts. Yet, these gadgets still produce nicotine vapor, which can be harmful to the baby. That is more than enough reason for pregnant women to avoid the use of electronic cigarettes under all circumstances [6].
Is it safe to vape with e-liquids that contain no nicotine?
Contrary to popular belief, vaping does not produce water vapor. The solution contains propylene glycol, glycerin, flavorings, and vitamin E acetate, that break down when heated. In 2021, researchers examined the vapor composition of vapes and discovered the presence of four carcinogens, heavy metal particles and plastic [7].
How can I quit smoking?
For some women, pregnancy itself can be enough motivation. Almost half of smoking women quit during the first trimester but resume the habit after giving birth [8]. Women who have the support of their partners and close friends are the most successful at abstaining from smoking during pregnancy [8]. If you are a smoker, share this article with your inner circle so they can understand the risks and help you stay motivated to abstain from tobacco.
Is it too late to quit?
The saying “better late than never” does apply to quitting smoking. Giving up smoking now may give your baby a chance to catch up with their healthy development for the rest of your pregnancy. But even if you cannot completely give up cigarettes, studies show that during the second half of pregnancy, negative effects are dose-dependent. Meaning that the less you smoke, the less harm to your baby [9]. Still, quitting cigarettes and similar products completely should be your goal.
