Quitting cigarettes is one of the best things you and your partner can do to protect your baby through pregnancy and after the birth. Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke during pregnancy is responsible for many complications in labour resulting in birth defects, low birth weights and even still births.
Vaping is the most effective and popular quit aid ever known, even for pregnant women. If you would like to try an e-cigarette to help you to quit smoking please always speak to your midwife first. Ultimately, if using an e-cigarette helps you stay smoke free, it is much safer for you and your baby than smoking. Also, based on available evidence there is no reason to believe that using an e-cigarette would affect breastfeeding. Women who vape after the birth can find it helps them to stay quit and maintain a smoke free home for their baby.
Stopping smoking can be hard. But for many women, pregnancy can be the tipping point for a change in habit.
We now know that smoking can cause:
- complications in labour
- birth defects
- low birth weights
- and even still births
Obviously, the best option when you are pregnant is to stop nicotine altogether. But if you are finding this impossible, the next best option is to use a much safer alternative.
Vaping is at least 95% safer than smoking, and it is both the most popular and the most effective way to quit smoking. Both the UK government and The Smoking in Pregnancy Action Group have endorsed vaping for pregnant smokers and for smokers who are breastfeeding. Smokefree Action also recommends that you should continue vaping if it enables you to stay smoke free.
Can I both vape and smoke?
You and your child will gain maximum benefit if you switch entirely to vaping.
That said, it does take some people time to switch entirely. While you should strive to switch completely, don’t give up trying to switch to vaping if it’s taking you time. Remember, every cigarette you don’t smoke is a step in the right direction.
Tips for being successful
- Get support from smoking cessation services
- Ensure you are aware of the benefits of vaping
- Educate the people around you
- Use the right nicotine strength
- Choose a flavour that you enjoy
