Smoking during pregnancy

Mandy - posted on 10/07/2009

Ok Ladies I am locking this debate or lack there of. It is a strongly debated topic and it seems to be upsetting a lot of you from what I read.

Nikki - posted on 10/07/2009

I completely agree with you Christina Schraff.. what a better reason to quit then for your child... i dont think she is meaning to bring anyone down.. but as incouragment to help you quit.. you are lucky that your children are ok and healthy.. but just think of those who do smoke while pregnant and then their children have problems. IT IS SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT...

Cathi - posted on 10/07/2009

Unfortunately, there is nothing you can say to the ppl who have a comment about your pregnancy, or after the baby is born. You just gotta deal. Everyone will have 'advice' for you. They will all be telling you what to do and how to do it. It will NEVER stop. Everyone else knows best. This is your pregnancy, your baby. It's your choice to smoke, drink, have caffiene, etc., etc. Same after baby is born, the way you raise your child is your decision...even though others don't think so. I am sorry to say you will always deal with this on every topic of pregnancy and child raising. The best defense? Smile and nod...oh yeah? is a good one too. I personally gave up everything, smoking made me throw up, so it wasn't hard. I gave up Fibromyalgia meds, caffiene, etc. However, I know LOTS of ppl who smoked and had healthy babies. You know the risks and have chosen to continue...that's your choice, so the comments from others is something you are going to have to put up with. Is it really that different from the comments you get from just smoking?? You're going to get cancer, you're going to get heart disease, gingivitis, etc. etc. After the 4th month of pregnancy quitting can cause harm to the baby, like a heart attack(so I heard from a medical professional). I would suggest cutting down though. Even not pregnant, a pack a day is ALOT...even by smoker's standards. A trick to try, time the amount of time between smoking for one day, then add an hour between starting the next day. Need help getting to that next hour? Try eating or drinking something that makes smoking taste gross, like a glass of milk, or brush your teeth. Good Luck with everything. I am sure you will have a beautiful baby. It is the greatest thing to happen to a woman, just enjoy the experience and forget the crap you get from others. Congrats! =D

Sammy - posted on 10/07/2009

A few of you have said how it is bad to quit while pregnant as the baby is already addicted to the nicotene...but what happens to the baby once it is born?? They are pretty much quitting 'cold turkey' as they no longer have it in their bloodstream.

You cruel and horrible people to do this to a innocent little baby!!!!

Sammy - posted on 10/07/2009

A few of you have said how it is bad to quit while pregnant as the baby is already addicted to the nicotene...but what happens to the baby once it is born?? They are pretty much quitting 'cold turkey' as they no longer have it in their bloodstream.

You cruel and horrible people to do this to a innocent little baby!!!!

Kat - posted on 10/07/2009

why bother to take the risk? ok... it might not affect yourself and your child... but what if it did?? for example: what if when hes say 2 years old and suffers from chronic asthma? perhaps if you didn't smoke hed be perfectly fine... even if you didn't he could develop a lung condition... i just don't get why you would add such a huge risk factor into the equation. how would you ever be able to forgive yourself if smoking was the cause for something going terribly wrong with your pregnancy or this new life?? its your choice, but honey, its his lungs and body...



keep smiling and ignore the fact that your bad habit could affect your childs future.

Christina - posted on 10/07/2009

Think how stressful it will be for your baby once they are born and they go through withdrawal. It's too hard for you, a grown woman, but you are going to subject a newborn to it? Are you suggesting that you should blow smoke in your baby's face so it will be less stressful for them? I was a smoker for 8 years. I had my last cigarette when I took my last birth control pill. And yes, I do judge. I also judge people who smoke around babies.

Magdalena - posted on 10/07/2009

Quoting emma:
 i think its ok to smoke when your pregnant so shoot me then!

and i think it's not OK to smoke; shoot me then?

i thought we have a right to own opinions and to posting them here if we want to.

Magdalena - posted on 10/07/2009

Quoting emma:

i just want to say to everyone who hasnt got anyting encouraging or helpful to say: PISS OFF!!!!!!!!fair enough we all have different views but there is no need to be nasty. try and be helpful or jus dont say anything! i think its ok to smoke when your pregnant so shoot me then!

Emma, how do you want us to encourage you and the rest of smokers? Encourage to what? Or maybe you came here to look for excuse? Oh yes, smoke, why not, your choice. Yes, YOUR choice, because your baby can;t decide for itself.

Those of you who had healthy babies while smoking - GREAT! But some of the postings sound as if to say that not smoking is more likely to cause unhealthy pregnancy and babies.. Dear God.. to what extend to you have to excuse your guilt? That's a ridiculous statement!

So all the encouragenent to those who at least try giving up instead of portrating themselves as beinng  victimised by those who think that smoking while pregnant is wrong.

Here you go, I am encouraging ;-)

Ex-smoker, 26wks+3

Christina - posted on 10/07/2009

Since my post was brought back into the discussion, i would just like to say before you quote me you should really read all my postings.

Jessica - posted on 10/07/2009

I was also a smoked when i found out i was pregnant, my doctor advised me not to quit as it would be too stressful for the baby, so i cut down. With severe "morning sickness" i would throw up everytime i would have one, after my 12 weeks scan i quit smoking. It was very hard but it made me feel sick and i wanted to do it for my baby. She was born late but tiny and i didnt smoke. I started smoking again when she was 3 months old, and i get looks when i have a smoke and leave her with a friend, its your body and your baby...do what u thinks best!

Elise - posted on 10/06/2009

while i was pregnant i got told not 2 quit. quitting smokin is very stressfull and can cause stress on the baby, and 2 much stress on the baby can cause a miss carriage. i cut down as much as possible but i never fully quit. plus i was already under stressfull situations with the father of my son and smoke would help calm me down. dante is strong and healthy and advanced for his age. i was goin 2 quit after birth coz i wanted 2 breast feed but again i got told that the colostrum was affected by the smoking so if the milk isnt, the baby wont take it, coz they arnt use 2 it. kinda lyk suddenly givin a breastfed baby a bottal and they arnt use 2 it so they wont take it. i suggest cut down as much as possible and if u feel u can quit without hassel then do so. but it u cant quit then continue, but still reduce!!!

Mary - posted on 10/06/2009

I am a "what could happen if you smoke during pregnancy" - it is your choice but keep this in mind because it could be a potential outcome and the consequences last into adulthood..



My mom smoked with me (a pack a day according to her)...I was born with lung problems and I have been a severe asthmatic my entire life. As a kid, I couldn't participate in sports the way other children did because I would become short of breath very quickly. I still have asthma to this day (I am 30)



In contrast, seeing how much difficulty I had, my mother quit smoking when she got pregnant with my sister and she's asthma free..



It's ultimaly your decision to make. I know that smoking is a very hard thing to quit. Just thought I'd let you know the perspective of a person affected by the mother's decision to smoke while pregnant.

Lucia - posted on 10/06/2009

that is so ture

Donna - posted on 10/06/2009

Smoking While Pregnant

If you smoke when you are pregnant the combination of carbon monoxide and nicotine in cigarettes makes it harder for your baby to get the oxygen and nourishment it needs. Smoking places stress on the babys heart and affects the development of its lungs.



Pregnant smokers have a greater risk of miscarriage, may have a difficult birth and risk having a low weight baby, which will be more vulnerable to infection and other health problems. The baby of a smoker is more likely to die at or shortly after birth.



If you quit before becoming pregnant or in the first few months, your baby's birthweight will be the same as if you had been a non-smoker. Also, you reduce the risk of premature birth and other pregnancy complications.



The umbilical cord is your baby's lifeline. Blood flow through this cord provides your baby with oxygen and the food it needs to grow. Every puff you take on a cigarette has an immediate effect on your baby. Carbon monoxide replaces some of the oxygen in your blood, reducing the amount of oxygen received by your baby through the umbilical cord.



The nicotine in cigarettes increases your heart rate and your baby's heart rate. It also causes your blood vessels to narrow, reducing the flow of blood through the umbilical cord. This makes it harder for your baby to get the oxygen and nourishment it needs.



To prepare for breathing after birth, your unborn baby will be practising by exercising some of its chest muscles. Nicotine reduces these breathing movements.



Cigarette smoke also contains many other harmful poisons, which pass through your lungs and into your bloodstream, which your baby shares.



Smoking during pregnancy by a mother is a major cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS or cot death). It also has the following effects:



•Increases the risk of miscarriage

•Increases the risk of complications during the birth

•Increases the likelihood of having a low-weight baby who is more vulnerable to infection and other health problems

•Increases the chances of the baby dying at or shortly after birth.



There is no evidence to support the claim that quitting cold turkey could harm the foetus. On the contrary, every cigarette delivers many chemical agents that put the baby under stress. In particular, carbon monoxide displaces oxygen from red blood cells and makes it harder for the blood cells to release oxygen. This badly affects the transfer of oxygen from the mother’s blood to the baby’s blood across the placenta.



Tobacco smoke has very high levels of oxidizing chemicals which upset important processes in the umbilical cord, constricting it. Their actions also impair the production of the membrane around the baby.



Smokers have more viscous (thicker and stickier) blood than non-smokers, which is a risk factor for stroke in the newborn as well as for blood clots (thrombosis) in the placenta. When the mother quits smoking, the level of carbon monoxide drops quickly and is much lower after only a day, and her blood improves over the next several weeks.



Smoking results in retarded growth of the foetus and subsequently low birth weight. Low birth weight may have a lasting effect of the growth and development of the child. It is associated with an increased risk for early puberty, and in adulthood an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Women who quit early in their pregnancy have babies with birth weights similar to non-smokers.



Women who quit smoking during pregnancy reduce the risk reduce the risk of preterm membrane rupture, preterm delivery and low birth weight.



In general, quitting without using quitting aids (nicotine replacement therapy or bupropion (Zyban) is preferred. This means first options are quitting suddenly or cutting down over one to two weeks and then quitting.



At the moment, there is nothing to recommend one method over the other, although quitting suddenly is more popular. Withdrawal symptoms might cause some emotional stress to the mother, which for most people is worse in the first week, but they decrease over time and usually do not last more than a few weeks. However, continued smoking puts the bodies of both mother and child under physical stress. All the evidence points to quitting smoking being one of the most important ways to improve pregnancy outcomes.

Nicole - posted on 10/06/2009

Quoting Amanda:

I smoked for 12 years until the day before I found out I was pregnant. It is a personal decision but I was not willing to roll the dice. That is after all what you are doing. There are plenty of women who smoke and have healthy, happy and normal babies. There are also plenty of women who smoke who have complications either immediate or down the road. Even now that I have had my baby I have not started up again. I don't want my daughter to associate the smell of cigs to me! As for the comments...it is just one of the many consequences to your decision.

Exactly!  Smart woman : )

Lucia - posted on 10/06/2009

Hi i can't tell u what 2 do. when i was pregant with my son i use 2 stay home because my father in law is a havery smoker. i use 2 feel sick. so 1 day that i end up in hosptial i had smoke poison. but if u feel fine then it's fine. just don't lose a date with ur doc.

Amanda - posted on 10/06/2009

I smoked for 12 years until the day before I found out I was pregnant. It is a personal decision but I was not willing to roll the dice. That is after all what you are doing. There are plenty of women who smoke and have healthy, happy and normal babies. There are also plenty of women who smoke who have complications either immediate or down the road. Even now that I have had my baby I have not started up again. I don't want my daughter to associate the smell of cigs to me! As for the comments...it is just one of the many consequences to your decision.

Nicole - posted on 10/06/2009

Quoting Brittany:

I smoked while i was pregnant and dealt with all the stares too. you know its not healthy but whats even more unhealthy is quitting cold turkey as your baby is also relying on the nicotine.it sounds so bad, but you could hurt your child by quitting. I would just try to cut back as much as you can and quit if possible. I personally LOVE smoking so quitting was not really an option, but while i was pregnant i did cut back to about a half a pack/day. dont worry abut stares.. back when my parents had kids they all smoked, and i turned out just fine. I have no asthma or any other effects, so dont worry to much. if people stare.. then stare back.

You could HURT your child by quitting?!  You could KILL your child by not quitting.  I smoked for 15 years and LOVED smoking too but I LOVE my precious little girl more than tobacco and fiberglass rolled up in paper.  She lives and breathes and laughs and plays and LOVES me back!  Can a Marlboro do that?     

Ashley - posted on 10/06/2009

Im not proud to admit this but i smoked a pack a day up until the day my son was born. i tried so hard to quit and i did pretty good in my 1st trimester but it got harder the further along i got. I actually only cut back maybe 1month and went back to a 1 pack of Marlboro 100's a day. It is kinda embarrassing to smoke in public, you feel like everyone looks at you and thinks omg is she really smoking...but u have to push aside what other people think of you. Because stress is more harmful to the baby than smoking...epically quitting because you'll put the baby thro withdraw. think of how you feel when your withdrawing, your baby feels everything you feel. take if from someone who has a 4mon old that was born on methadone and my smoking. you dont wanna quit now espically since you are already 5mon. along. My baby is 100% healthy and in the 90% range for WIC. Just dont stress hun its so hard on the baby, try not to care about what other people think because addiction is a battle and most people dont know how it is epically when you are pregnant, you have alot more pressure on you now so just do ur best to relax.

Nicole - posted on 10/06/2009

I smoked for 15 years before I got pregnant and as soon as I found out, I quit. It's only for a short time and you can go back to it if you really want to after that. I find it unfair to do that to a helpless child let alone an unborn one. I still crave a cigarette occaisionally but it would be very selfish if I did and when you have a child, it's not the time to be selfish.

Melissa - posted on 10/06/2009

I am just curious where the information that secondhand smoke is worse for a child than firsthand smoke came from? I'm assuming you meant to an unborn child? I've never heard that before. It doesn't make a lot of sense to me, but I've also never researched it.

Lauren - posted on 10/06/2009

My doctor says that if it's under 10 cigs a day its not causing really anything but you do a pack so i'm not sure, it does cause low birth, weight my whole family smoked the whole pregnancy and we all seem to come out just fine...and after 3 months the baby is kinda depended on it so it would cause more harm to quit completely however others responses are usual and just because they are looking down on you doesn't mean you should care because your situation is all mutual. good luck!

Donna - posted on 10/06/2009

Quoting Erin:

Quoting emma:

i just want to say to everyone who hasnt got anyting encouraging or helpful to say: PISS OFF!!!!!!!!fair enough we all have different views but there is no need to be nasty. try and be helpful or jus dont say anything! i think its ok to smoke when your pregnant so shoot me then!

You must be joking...

This is a public forum, where people post OPINION. Most people with a brain in their head are aware of the dangers of smoking while pregnant, so are not going to support or encourage the OP's decision to do so.

Well said Erin : )

Erin - posted on 10/06/2009

Quoting emma:

i just want to say to everyone who hasnt got anyting encouraging or helpful to say: PISS OFF!!!!!!!!fair enough we all have different views but there is no need to be nasty. try and be helpful or jus dont say anything! i think its ok to smoke when your pregnant so shoot me then!

You must be joking...

This is a public forum, where people post OPINION. Most people with a brain in their head are aware of the dangers of smoking while pregnant, so are not going to support or encourage the OP's decision to do so.

Erin - posted on 10/06/2009

Quoting emma:

i just want to say to everyone who hasnt got anyting encouraging or helpful to say: PISS OFF!!!!!!!!fair enough we all have different views but there is no need to be nasty. try and be helpful or jus dont say anything! i think its ok to smoke when your pregnant so shoot me then!

You must be joking...

This is a public forum, where people post OPINION. Most people with a brain in their head are aware of the dangers of smoking while pregnant, so are not going to support or encourage the OP's decision to do so.

Erin - posted on 10/06/2009

The mere fact that all of you who smoked through your pregnancies are so defensive and quick to justify your decisions is proof that you DO know you've done the wrong thing. Yes, it's a personal choice, but at least take responsibility for the fact that you are putting YOUR needs before those of your unborn babies'. Don't try and pretty it up by saying you cut down, or you went to a lighter cigarette, or you ended up with a healthy baby anyway. It's all crap. You were not willing to make this sacrifice for your baby. End of story.

Oh and by the way....I was a smoker. I cut down over about 2 weeks (because yes, I too was warned of the risks of going cold-turkey) and was smoke-free from 6 weeks on.

Ashley - posted on 10/06/2009

Now who is bashing? Telling everyone who thinks that smoking is bad during pregnancy that they probably did worse things is not adding to the issue of people bashing each other.
And besides, SOME of us never ate or drank anything bad. I gave up caffeine completely, along with lunch meats, and even sports drinks. So looks like I did better than you, and yes I am a former smoker!
If you don't want to hear posts about anti-smoking, then stop reading them!
I agree some posts are rude, but what do you expect? Smoking while pregnant is a huge controversy!
Not trying to be rude, but getting your panties in a wad isn't going to do anything but fuel remarks that you don't want to hear!

Robin - posted on 10/06/2009

Quoting Sky:

Quoting Robin:

Quoting christina:

I just love how you have the nerve to try and excuse the fact that you are hurting your unborn baby by saying "i only smoke a PACK a day"! Its women like you who make me realize that not all moms are willing to put their needs aside and give their babies what THEY need. Stop being soo selfish and i cant believe your husband thinks its ok! thats a shame, why even have a baby if your so selfish! You'll survive without cigarettes but your baby could die! I hope you grow up and step up!

I cant believe how ignorant and self righteous you are, there are probably way more dangerous things you have done that could have been very bad for you baby, and I want to ask if YOU YOURSELF have ever been a smoker? If you havent you have to realize that these moms are doing the best they can, I myself have cut way down to about 3 light cigarettes a day! and I smoked the entire time with my son and he is in PERFECT health now 10 mo old and has not had ONE SINGLE PROBLEM, no chronic probs or even being sick,

Like I said in my post before, people have been doing this FOR YEARS before they even thought it was harmful, and you know what ALL THOSE BABIES ARE FINE!!! My mother in law even smoked IN the hospital with my hubby and her daughter! and guess what they are both fine too!!! my sister in law has smoked with both her babies and they are both in PERFECT health.

Get a grip, you know what you can express that you think it is bad or harmful with out bashing her!!

 Wow...  "My mother in law even smoked IN the hospital with my hubby and her daughter! "

 

If that's what you call fine, then I feel sorry for you... Talk about ignorance.

all I meant by that is BACK THEN they didnt know! and they were still ok, I am not saying its ok but you need to give her a break and those that are at least trying, and I would say MOST women who are preggo ARE TRYING!

Robin - posted on 10/06/2009

Im sorry Im writing yet a third post but Im getting angry just reading all the bashing, I believe that people who smoke ARE TRYING to either cut down or quit and DONT need added insult to injury, and DONT need anyone to be their judge and jury, but do need reassurance that their baby will be ok, especially if they are cutting down.

I do think a pack a day IS a lot, but if its down from where she was IT IS a step in the right direction, I cut down from a pack or a pack and a half down to 3-5 lights a day. Try to tell me that you are all perfect and such, Im sure a lot of you who are bashing also ate hot dogs during pregnancy or soft cheeses and lunch meat, because it carries lysteria, which by the way KILL babies, not just deform or damage them but cause miscarriage and still births, there are prob a lot of other things too, like many of you prob eat fish, which carry mercury!

And no I dont drink caffeine or drink AT ALL if the ONLY thing Im doing is smoking and TRYING to cut back I think that is ok

Sky - posted on 10/06/2009

Quoting Robin:

Quoting christina:

I just love how you have the nerve to try and excuse the fact that you are hurting your unborn baby by saying "i only smoke a PACK a day"! Its women like you who make me realize that not all moms are willing to put their needs aside and give their babies what THEY need. Stop being soo selfish and i cant believe your husband thinks its ok! thats a shame, why even have a baby if your so selfish! You'll survive without cigarettes but your baby could die! I hope you grow up and step up!

I cant believe how ignorant and self righteous you are, there are probably way more dangerous things you have done that could have been very bad for you baby, and I want to ask if YOU YOURSELF have ever been a smoker? If you havent you have to realize that these moms are doing the best they can, I myself have cut way down to about 3 light cigarettes a day! and I smoked the entire time with my son and he is in PERFECT health now 10 mo old and has not had ONE SINGLE PROBLEM, no chronic probs or even being sick,

Like I said in my post before, people have been doing this FOR YEARS before they even thought it was harmful, and you know what ALL THOSE BABIES ARE FINE!!! My mother in law even smoked IN the hospital with my hubby and her daughter! and guess what they are both fine too!!! my sister in law has smoked with both her babies and they are both in PERFECT health.

Get a grip, you know what you can express that you think it is bad or harmful with out bashing her!!

 Wow...  "My mother in law even smoked IN the hospital with my hubby and her daughter! "

If that's what you call fine, then I feel sorry for you... Talk about ignorance.

Donna - posted on 10/06/2009

Wow I guess i am a bad mother for quitting during my pregnancy then!!!

Robin - posted on 10/06/2009

Quoting christina:

I just love how you have the nerve to try and excuse the fact that you are hurting your unborn baby by saying "i only smoke a PACK a day"! Its women like you who make me realize that not all moms are willing to put their needs aside and give their babies what THEY need. Stop being soo selfish and i cant believe your husband thinks its ok! thats a shame, why even have a baby if your so selfish! You'll survive without cigarettes but your baby could die! I hope you grow up and step up!

I cant believe how ignorant and self righteous you are, there are probably way more dangerous things you have done that could have been very bad for you baby, and I want to ask if YOU YOURSELF have ever been a smoker? If you havent you have to realize that these moms are doing the best they can, I myself have cut way down to about 3 light cigarettes a day! and I smoked the entire time with my son and he is in PERFECT health now 10 mo old and has not had ONE SINGLE PROBLEM, no chronic probs or even being sick,

Like I said in my post before, people have been doing this FOR YEARS before they even thought it was harmful, and you know what ALL THOSE BABIES ARE FINE!!! My mother in law even smoked IN the hospital with my hubby and her daughter! and guess what they are both fine too!!! my sister in law has smoked with both her babies and they are both in PERFECT health.

Get a grip, you know what you can express that you think it is bad or harmful with out bashing her!!

Robin - posted on 10/06/2009

I tried to cut back, and did the best I can, but you know what people have been doing this for ages and all the babies came out just fine, my son for example PERFECT health and has NEVER been sick now 10 mo old and Im preggo again, I would start to say thank you for the advice and if they keep going you should find a way to politely tell them to mind their own business, its funny how people judge but the fact of the matter is they probably eat McDonalds and do other things that are just as harmful if not more its just not as noticable to the public eye.

Jessica - posted on 10/06/2009

Wow... I just find it really hard to believe that so many people seem to think there's nothing wrong with smoking while pregnant. Trying to quit and cutting down is one thing, but to blatantly say there is nothing wrong with it..?? Anybody with half an education knows smoking is bad for you, let alone while carrying a developing child! This issue isn't even about opinions or parenting philosophies- its about scientific fact. Sure, we've all known people who smoked while pregnant and their babies (thankfully) turned out fine, but you can't use that as justification because those cases are the minority. The only other thing I can say is- if you're going to keep smoking while pregnant, AT LEAST do your research and know what you could potentially be dealing with.

Lindsey - posted on 10/06/2009

I think everything you have done is great!! Some people do not realize everything else they really do put aside for that unborn baby. Drinking drugs and cigarettes is only the beginning, for nine months we give up our whole body for someone else, our sleep is compromised, our own health, our wants and desires to be a woman can go out the window because all that is important is that baby and I will always feel that way even though I also smoke with my current pregnancy. I have two little girls which I also smoked with, and I was over a week late with both of them and they were by no means underweight. I also breastfed and gave my girls everything I could out of me, so they can be as healthy as they are now. We all decide what sacrifices we do make, and good for you for all that you have already sacrificed until you have your baby. Good Luck

Cheryl - posted on 10/06/2009

i smoked with both of my pregnancies but i cut it down a lot, like 5 or 6 a day i really just watched when i smoked and if it was cause i was bored, just ate, you know the stupid triggers for this horrible addiction, or it i really needed it, due to stress or anger and both of my OBs said it had no affect on my kids at all, but i did cut down severly, my boys were full term both had to be induced, placentas were fine and could of gone longer, but my boys were too big for me to carry past due cause then they ran the risk of my boys being Bow Legged, so deal with the glares and bad thoughts towards you, cause chances are they're non smokers and never have been so they have no clue what this addiction can do to you and to your blood pressure! and when people say things to you just smile and say thats your opinion and in my Dr's opinion my child if perfectly healthy, or i learned from my grandmother, when older women in their late 50's or older say things to you ask them if they smoked during their pregnancies, my grandmother got them to shut up and walk away with that, just remember your Dr says your baby is fine, when he says its not then maybe time to quiet but until then don't let people get you down

Amanda - posted on 10/06/2009

I see the biggest arguments here for smoking while pregnant to be that you guys don't want to take away the nicotine that your babies are addicted to, that the added stress of quitting smoking would be harmful to the baby, and that it is YOUR choice. Well...
There are MILLIONS of ways to relieve stress besides smoking. Take a walk. Do some yoga. Eat a sucker or something so you still have the "physical release" of hand to mouth. For crying out loud... To lean on that as a crutch to allow yourself to keep smoking is ludicrous and selfish. Someone on here earlier mentioned that addicts will rationalize their behaviors to validate themselves, and that is exactly what you all are doing.
As for the nicotine addicted babies... How can you sit there and say that you had perfectly healthy babies that were born with no problems and say in the same breath that they were addicted to nicotine? Any addiction, no matter how small or unintentional is dangerous. What a beautiful gift to give your unborn child... Addiction.
Finally, how selfish can you seriously be to KNOW the risks and to know that YOU CAN do something to lower those risks and still smoke?! Is your nicotine craving really more important than the well-being of your child? Yes, it is your choice to ruin your own body. By all means, if that's what you want to do, that is your choice. But to intentionally cause harm to another human being is abuse and could even lead to murder. I'm sure babies have been miscarried by smokers who tried to quit, but babies have also been miscarried for many other reasons and I don't think that quitting smoking can be put to blame for miscarriages. The evidence is overwhelming that smoking while pregnant can and DOES lead to miscarriage, birth defects, and health problems later in life. Just read the stories by these poor women on these discussion boards.
It makes me sick to see so many people standing up for something so ridiculous. I don't know what research you people are claiming to be doing, but I have NEVER seen anywhere that smoking during pregnancy won't hurt the baby.
Do what you want. I'll be praying for you and your kids.

Ashley - posted on 10/06/2009

One thing I have noticed about everyone who says they continued to smoke while pregnant did so because of the withdrawl. From what I gathered, quitting cold turkey can be stressful, but cutting back and getting to ZERO (not just a few) will be the best thing for your baby...

As a former smoker, I know it is hard. A lot of things are hard. But please do not use that as an excuse! It can be done! You will feel much better and so will your children.

Sky - posted on 10/06/2009

I feel like repeating myself because of all the insanity.......



Just because some of your children turned out okay even though you smoked, doesn't mean all babies will. I wish all of you would at least realized that God blessed you with healthy children. Smoking DOES cause problems, and it is proven. My aunt smoked and had 2 children born with holes in their heart. 1 with asthma, and one really really small baby.



The women that had healthy babies despite smoking just got lucky...



Are you really surprised when other people look at you like you are crazy from smoking while pregnant? Smoking is bad for you already, and then you polute your unborn child with it.



Yes it is your right to choose.. but that doesn't make your choice right. Yes it is your bussiness, but excuse everyone for being concerend for a human life.

Heather - posted on 10/06/2009

I smoked with my pregnancy. My doctor said if I quit it would cause more harm to the baby because of the stress quitting does to your body. Everyone told me I was going to have a small baby but my baby came out 8.8lbs 20.5in long. So imagine if I wouldn't have smoked. I just cut back as far as I could. But do what feels right for you and your baby.

Brittany - posted on 10/06/2009

shit, seriously? some of you saying 'my reccomendation is..' or 'i doubt it really has much to do with birth weight..'

yoou are seriously ignorant. are you a freaking doctor? no. you give opionions, not professional recoomendations and such. ha, really? nothing to do with low birth weight?

grow the fuck up..

you are so much in denial with the fact of how cruel you actually are. you only care about yourself.

this is getting ridiculous

Traci - posted on 10/06/2009

I have smoked on BOTH of my pregnancies too. Ultimatly it's YOUR choice!! But if you wanna get technical..i was told my a dr once that to take away my smokes & stress me out, would do more harm than good. that as long as it wasnt a chain smoking thing, that the baby was okay. Infact my last baby was 10lbs 1oz so i doubt it really has much to do with the birth weight..lol if you think of it..its the same as Cokes or any type of soda. Thats not good either...or at least in large quanities..but ur body would freak, or you..which ever..if you jsut stopped.



AND whats the diffrence between smoking while your preg. and watching ppl smoke while they hold thier baby?? PPl need just to mind thier own.

Penny - posted on 10/06/2009

as someone who smaked for 14 yrs and stopped only 2 well almost 3 yrs ago im 31 i smoked with all 3 of my children and it didnt hurt them and if bubs growing and healthy dont frett i wouldnt reccomend for anyone to try to stop while pregnant anyhow

there will always be different opinions and suggestions and people give looks but u know what its yr choice it would be good if you could cut down a bit but again yr choice congrats on baby i am on no 4 and had more health problems and i as i say quit a few yrs back

xxx best of luck

Simone - posted on 10/06/2009

while i was pregnant i cut down smoking to only 2 or 3 cigarettes a day. my son is a strong healthy baby boy, he has never had any problems n only had a cold once in his 18th month life. whereas i hav a friend hu didnt smoke n her baby has a long list of problems... im not sayin that its from smoking or not smoking but its the mothers choice. n heavy smokers are not told to quit smokin due to the stress it causes the mum.. thats also not good for the baby. in my opinion as long as u cut down its fine. n ppl need to stop judgin others without even knowin them

Jackie - posted on 10/06/2009

I find it interesting that no one has mentioned the risks of quitting smoking during pregnancy!! Both my children were unplanned there was no time to quit smoking. My family doctor and OB/GYN told me it was best I cut down and if i couldn't cut out those last smokes a day I was cut down to... not to! Because quitting during pregnancy can cause miscarriages both early term and late term. By the time you find out you are pregnant the baby is addicted and actually requires the nicotine themselves. Yes nicotine replacement is best... but some of us smokers need that physical release from smoking that hand to mouth gives. So all you mothers judging I would rethink it... a small birth weight baby is better then a dead one. And lucky you that you didn't have to make that choice but I did and I cut back to 2-5 smokes in a 24 hour period but couldn't cut out those last couple without putting myself into physical and emotional stress that wasn't healthy for me or my children.

Rebecca - posted on 10/06/2009

To all of you who continue to smoke even after the births of your children, and complain about the looks and comments you get in public - think about all the other children you are exposing to smoke when you are at the park or playground. What about their right not to smoke? What about the non-smoking parent's right to make that choice for their child? This is what frustrates me no end. I was at the playground today with my kids, and a mother was smoking a little way off (not far). The wind was blowing our way, so the whole covered the playground anyway. Maybe the looks aren't always judging you for your choices, but resenting you for taking away the choices of others. Exposure to cigarette smoke increases a child's risk of cot death by 50%. Not a chance I want to take.

Rebecca - posted on 10/06/2009

Sorry to be one of those nagging "don't-smokers", but the growth of your baby that is referred to in the research as being restricted when you smoke is mostly in it's brain. There is a higher chance of cot death in babies of smokers, especially if you continue smoking after your baby is born - even if you don't smoke near your baby (though if you do it is worse). There also seems to be a link between smoking during pregnancy and later attention and learning problems. So just because your baby seems to be growing fine - in utero or when young - does not mean they have escaped unharmed. And if they have, have you still made a responsible choice? Knowing the risks and still deciding it is worth taking them? Everyone makes their own choices, and has the right to, but I just find it hard to understand when their is so much evidence stating the risks. And they are just that - risks, not guarantees. So just because there are some "success" stories doesn't mean the research is wrong.



If you are truly comfortable in your decision to continue smoking then I don't think the obvious judgement of others would bother you. Just my opinion though.

Sharon - posted on 10/05/2009

I look forward to the day - and it will come - that DOCS take kids off mothers who smoke while pregnant. It will be considered as child abuse. For those that smoke, I hope to god your children are ok, because it is not their fault.

Louise - posted on 10/05/2009

Unfortunatly I haven't the time to read all posts here (maybe I will get throuh it by the end of the week lol) But i thiught I would add my 2 cents into the frey, I am not judging anyone just adding something to think about.





I am one of five children, the second eldest, out of all five of her pregnancys my mother only smoked during her pregnancy with me - I guess I drew the short straw. She had her reasons mainly being it was just to hard to quit and she didn't smoke that much and everything seemed fine. 16 years later and I was diagnosed with a heart defect needing imeadate life saving surgery - I honest to goodness thought I was going to die at just 16 years old. But I pulled through and for the most part I am ok. I have started my own family and am living a happy life. But my heart is deterating and there is a chance I wont see my babies grow up and have there own babies and it makes me very sad. Your children may be fine (i hope to God they are) but in 16 years or somtime down the track there may be consequences for what you do now. Maybe theses consequences will even effect your future grandchildrens life as it will certinally effect my childrens lives.



I said earler I am not trying to judge, you do what ever you do and thats fine but I just wanted to let you know my story as a child of a mother who smoked.



Best Wishes