Dangers of Smoking While Pregnant
The future of your child begins before they are even born.
Smoking while pregnant can cause irreversible damage to unborn babies. Nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar pass along the umbilical cord to your baby when you smoke while pregnant. These toxins can be harmful to your baby’s development and restrict their oxygen. It can also lead to early delivery and other health factors.
Don’t put your child’s future at risk.
TIPS FOR QUITTING
1) Make a List of Reasons to Quit: Sit down and make a list of reasons to quit, both for yourself and your baby. Use it to remind yourself why you made the choice to quit when things get tough.
2) Set a Quit Date: Choose a quit date and hold yourself to it. Be ready to discard any cigarettes, lighters, ash trays, vape pens, or anything else related to smoking on your quit date.
3) Make New Habits: One of the challenges of quitting smoking is changing habits, removing old habits associated with smoking and making newer, healthier ones. For example, if you are used to smoking first thing in the morning, consider drinking a glass of water, milk, or tea instead. Drink water to help flush the nicotine and toxins from your system and lessen your cravings.
4) Talk to Your Doctor: Your OBGYN might have already had a conversation with you regarding smoking. If not, talk with a doctor about any potential remedies that may both be safe for your baby and helpful on your journey to stop smoking.
5) Use Online Resources: There are many organizations that offer free resources to help people live smoke-free lives, like Tobacco Free Florida. Healthy Start Coalition of Bay, Franklin, and Gulf Counties is also here to support you and connect you with the tools you need to succeed. Contact us.
