Some people may tell you that it's too stressful to quit smoking during pregnancy and that it's better to keep smoking, but this isn't true.
Continuing to smoke during pregnancy can lead to a higher risk of having a low birth weight baby, miscarriage and birth complications.
It's also important to create a smoke free environment for your baby as exposure to cigarettes and second hand smoke increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other related health issues such as ear infections, asthma and bronchitis.
Quitting now and looking after your own health are the best ways to reduce the risk of harm to yourself and to your baby. If you can't quit smoking when you are pregnant, focus on reducing the amount you smoke as you move toward quitting. It's never too late to stop smoking or using other harmful substances.
For couples who smoke, if possible, you and your partner should try to quit smoking at the same time. Couples who stop smoking together may be able to help each other remain smoke free. It can be difficult to stop smoking when someone else in your home continues to smoke.
Couples and Smoking
For more information on pregnancy and tobacco use, read Couples and Smoking:
What You Need to Know About Smoking During Pregnancy.
Visit Website or visit The Best Chance web site
Second Hand Smoke
For more information on the harmful effects of Second Hand Smoke, visit HealthLinkBC - The Harmful Effects of Second Hand Smoke
DID YOU KNOW?
A smoke free environment is very important to your baby's health both during and after birth. Exposure to second hand smoke increases your baby's risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Quitting Support
Most of the time, quitting is more successful with the support of smoking aids, and/or the support of your friends or family. You can increase your chances of successfully quitting smoking by getting smoking cessation counselling support. Smoking cessation medications, available either from your pharmacy or by prescription, can double, or even triple a person's success rate.
For more information about quitting smoking and programs available for you and your partner, consult with your family doctor or visit HealthLink BC - Quitting Smoking.
Pregnancy and Smoking Cessation Resources:
QuitNow Services
1-877-455-2233 www.quitnow.caSupport and information on quitting smoking available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to BC residents. Counsellors can give specialized support to pregnant women.
Pregnets
www.pregnets.caThe Pregnets website provides up-to-date information on stopping smoking for pregnant women and women with new babies. It also has a toolkit for health care professionals and an anonymous online discussion board.
Motherisk
1-877-327-4636 www.motherisk.orgConnected to Sick Children's Hospital in Toronto, Motherisk provides online information on the risks of using substances (including tobacco) while pregnant. It also offers telephone counselling for women, and consultation for service providers.
