Smoking

[excitedad]

My wife is 7 weeks pregnant and she used to be a heavy smoker close to two packs a day she is having a hard time letting go of the addiction since she has recently been home with me she had three cigarette I have heard mixed reviews on this and I can't seem to get a direct answer is it OK to try and ween yourself off with small amounts per day or quit cold turkey

[ddine]

I suggest she go cold turkey. But it will only work if she takes on some physically demanding exercises like brisk walking and swimming.

[Julia M Aharonov, DO]

Smoking is extremely addictive, but there are certain things we do for our kid that are very hard, and one of them is being pregnant, taking care of our bodies while pregnant and nursing (and I am not even talking about giving birth!). That is only the start of a difficult life of a parent. So, let me give you the facts that you probably already know, but they are important to repeat.
Smoking while pregnant will:
Lower the amount of oxygen and nutrient available your growing baby.
Increase your baby's heart rate.
Increase the chances of miscarriage and stillbirth.
Increase the risk that your baby is born prematurely and/or born with low birth weight.
Increase your baby's risk of developing respiratory (lung) problems.
I hope that you don't smoke, because it it extremely difficult to quit when a partner is still smoking. So you should quit together, and studies have shown that cold turkey works just as well, if not better then other methods of quitting.
You both  want to eat right and stay away from all unneeded drugs and alcohol while you are pregnant and nursing or mothering young children. Please take good care of yourself and that way you can be sure you are taking the best care of your child.

[joanie8858]

Im 14w today and been a smoker for 6 yrs but i have officially quit for about a month and a half! I got lucky and they made me nauseous for awhile and now when i think of one its no use cause its been awhile since i quit, yeah i cravings but i try and keep my mind occupied, so it is possible ladies but very tough, i just wanted to say good luck girls!!!

[tinabaybeh]

Its better than not stopping at all, atleast she is trying. Im a smoker as well and I'm also 7 weeks pregnant and it is very very hard especially with the mood swings and being emotional and all.