As women, few things cause us to pause, reflect, and consider our overall health and well-being more than when staring at a positive pregnancy test. Maybe this is you, and you wonder if quitting vaping is essential to you and your baby’s overall health. The truth is, vaping during pregnancy can put both you and your developing baby at risk, and it’s important to consider how vaping could impact you and your baby’s health long-term.
Health Risks of Vaping During Pregnancy
If you are vaping during pregnancy, it is of the utmost importance to educate yourself regarding the adverse health risk vaping could pose to you and your baby’s overall health. These include but are not limited to the following:
Adverse pregnancy outcomes: research shows vaping during pregnancy could be associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm delivery, low birth weight, and stillbirth.
Nicotine exposure: Vaping products contain nicotine, which can cross the placenta and enter the fetal bloodstream, potentially causing harm to your developing baby. Nicotine exposure during pregnancy could be associated with decreased fetal growth, developmental delays, and cognitive impairments in children.
Chemical exposure: Vaping products contain various chemicals, including volatile organic compounds and heavy metals, which can harm the developing fetus. Exposure to these chemicals during pregnancy may increase the risk of congenital disabilities, developmental delays, and other adverse health outcomes.
Respiratory problems: Vaping during pregnancy can increase the risk of respiratory problems in both the mother and the baby, including an increased risk of asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia and an increased risk of respiratory infections in the mother.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): Exposure to secondhand smoke, including from vaping products, has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS.
Are You Ready to Quit?
Let’s start by acknowledging that quitting vaping can be daunting, and it’s normal to feel hesitant or unsure about taking that step. It is important to remember that you are capable of making positive changes in your life and that resources and support are available to help you along the way. What fears or obstacles are holding you back from quitting? Whatever they may be, we’re here to help you overcome them and achieve your healthy lifestyle goals. With the right tools and support strategies, you can take control of your health and well-being and start your journey towards a healthier you. Here are a few to get you started;
Identify your triggers: Recognize the situations or activities that trigger your urge to vape, such as stress or boredom, and develop a plan to avoid those triggers or find alternatives to manage them.
Plan life-giving activities: Keep yourself busy with activities you enjoy, such as exercise, reading, or spending time with friends and family. These activities can help take your mind off the urge to vape.
Join a support group: Joining a support group could give you a sense of community and support from others on the same journey. You can find online support groups or seek out local support groups.
Practice stress management techniques: Pregnancy can be stressful, and stress can trigger the urge to vape. Practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing, self-regulation strategies, and prayer/meditation to help manage stress.
Quitlines: Quitlines are available at no cost to you that provides free telephone counseling and support to help you quit vaping. These quitlines include the National Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) and the National Cancer Institute quitline (1-877-44U-QUIT).
Text messaging programs: Text messaging programs such as SmokefreeMOM and SmokefreeTXT provide daily support and encouragement to help you quit vaping.
Apps: Several apps can help you track your progress, manage cravings, and provide support and motivation to help you quit vaping. These apps include Quit Genius, Quit Genius Mom, and Smoke-Free.
Online resources: several online resources are available at no cost to you. These resources provide information, tips, and support to help you quit vaping. Examples include Smokefree.gov, the American Pregnancy Association, and the March of Dimes.
We Are Here For You
We want you to know you don’t have to face this alone. Our center offers the support and resources needed to make informed decisions about your pregnancy and health. We are a pro-woman, holistic non-profit organization that understands the unique challenges inherent with pregnancy. Whether you need community referrals or access to additional resources, we are committed to empowering and equipping you on your journey toward a healthier you.
So, take the first step today towards a brighter future by making an appointment with our caring staff. We offer confidential and personalized support to help you overcome any obstacles or fears you may have. You deserve to feel confident and in control of your health and pregnancy. We are here to help make that a reality. Remember, you are not alone – we are here for you!
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021, February 3). Electronic cigarettes. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/index.htm
Mayo Clinic. (2020, September 29). Pregnancy and Vaping: What you need to know. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-and-vaping-what-you-need-to-know/art-20453523
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). (n.d.). Smoking and pregnancy: Fast facts.
