smoking

[krissy_57]

I have been smoking for over two years, and im about two or more weeks pregnant now..
i have heard that its bad to smoke during pregnancy, but also that its worse to quit cause theres nicotine in your body and the baby could go through withdrawls.
im not sure what i should do?

[KTowne]

LosingmymindinGA, thank you for sharing your side of the story, a negative outcome of smoking while pregnant, not a lot of women will do that!

I agree completely, there are SO many things that can go wrong smoking during pregnancy, and so many women will tell you "i smoked and my baby turned out just fine", it drives me insane, good for you for thinking about quitting, and I really hope you can get the strength to quit, not just for your baby, but for yourself too! I imagine it must be very hard, but you can do it!

[Zombonnie]

I smoked for 11 years I'm on my first pregnancy so I definitely understand how hard it is all I did was: set a goal date mine was 13 weeks then I started only smoking half cigs did that for 2 weeks then I went down to only 1/3 cigs did that for 2 weeks then I'd only allow myself 3 a day total for 1 week then did 2 a day for 1 week then 1 a day for 1 week by that time I was 12 weeks so at midnight the night I turned 13 weeks I handed the rest of my pack to my hubby and I haven't touched one since I just kept telling myself that its for my precious baby and that was my motivation :-) good luck Hun and if u ever need to talk message me :-)

[LosingMyMindInGA]

It is FAR better to quit at ANY stage of pregnancy than to continue to smoke.  Smoking has been linked to low birth weight and preterm labor.  Both of which would be far more detrimental to your baby than any possible affects of quitting.  

I speak from experience - I smoked throughout my first pregnancy.  My daughter was born at 40 wks 3 days via emergency c-section because there was a lack of amniotic fluid - as in NONE.  She was breech and suffered from Intrauterine growth restriction.  She was full term and weighed a mere 4 lbs 15 oz.  She spent four days in the NICU hooked up to IV's and being tube fed until she learned how to suck/swallow.  For the first several months she had periods where she would stop breathing in her sleep for 15-20 seconds.  She was tested for apnea but it was negative.  She was one of the extremely fortunate babies that had issues that were fairly easy to overcome and had no lasting affects.  Not all babies are so lucky.  

It is in your baby's (and yours) best interest to speak with your doctor about a cessation program that would help you to quit safely and effectively.  I say your benefit as well because my mom was a smoker - she died 2 years ago at the age of 58 from advanced stage lung cancer.  She now has 2 grandchildren who never got to meet her - including my brothers first child. Nor will she be around to see her older grandchildren grow up.  

As an ex smoker I know it's not an easy task - but with the right information, determination and the best reason in the world (your baby) it IS possible.  I quit cold turkey 11 years ago and have not picked up a cigarette since.  Not everyone can do the cold turkey, but it IS possible to quit.  Good luck and make sure that you surround yourself with supportive people, it really makes a difference.  

[rachb11]

I know exactly how you feel....i still haven't quit but i have cut back significantly. That's what a doctor will tell you to do. You need to cut back to where you only smoke only one or two a day to where you will eventually ween yourself off of them completely. Good luck dear i know how hard it is.

[rica0411]

Quit!!!!... U know early enough to not make excuses!

[camerinj]

Quit ASAP! If you smoke during your whole pregnancy, the baby will have nine months to get addicted and will go through worse withdrawal at birth than if you weaned yourself off of them early.