Who thinks smoking is okay when pregnant?

Sandra - posted on 02/16/2013

I think if you smoke while pregnant, you will smoke while breastfeeding, and your children will be around smoking. Eventually, when they become adults they will also start smoking themselves. So smoke it up. For your kids it's a lifelong habit and you don't care. You want to poison your children so smoke it up.

Melissa - posted on 01/22/2013

will i know some dr will ask you if you smoke and if you do then thay will ask how much then thay will say cut back but dont do it to fast cuz that will stressed out the baby. so if you are smokeing pleas cut back but do not do it to fast ok

LaChelle - posted on 01/15/2013

I've seen many women smoke during pregnancy and have beautiful healthy babies! My momma smoked with both me and my brother. My brother is perfectly healthy, I have asthma. I struggle everyday with breathing and wondering what it would be like not to use my inhaler everyday. I've heard it increases risk of sids. I smoked with my first and miscarried at just 7 wks. If its so unhealthy for you why would you expose your child to it. Btw i didnt know i was pregnant with my first until I was 6 wks. I am not smoke free and pregnant again will be 17 weeks on fri. :)

Casey - posted on 01/11/2013

I smoked during my pregnancy and my daughter who is 2 is absolutely healthy. She has no medical problems whatsoever. I smoked between 2-4 cigarettes a day the entire pregnancy. My OB doctor even told me at such a low amount of smoking the risk of health problems was almost zero.

Renate - posted on 01/04/2013

Definately not okay. Whilst there are babies that are born with no issues there are plenty that do have issues. It is not just low birthweight issue but children whose mothers smoked have been know to have learning difficulties amoungst other things. Babies of smokers have higher incidences of cot death and of respiratory illnesses in childhood. Why would you take the chance.

Deanna - posted on 01/03/2013

It is not good. Most doctors will say that it is safer to quit.

J M - posted on 12/28/2012

Suppose those who find any doctor thats says just what they like to hear about smoking that is ok just a little bit whatever , keeps that Doctors pocket happy,um.

Why would it seem ok to smoke just because you are a adult, but then perhaps tell their own children its bad, every heard parents like that. um.

No one is perfect, but children do mimic and take their cue from what parents do.

When you are young, your body is kind to you, but things will catch up if you never want to stop when it comes to smoking, I use to look after the elderly, pitiful state someone that needs a nebulizer to breath, but also cannot kick the habit of smoking, they cost more Health care that avoidable, than those who don't smoke when it comes to breathing problems.


But hey its a free world, carry on smoking and tar up those nice young / or once healthy lungs, if you wish...

Its just about taking better care of yourself, and also saving $$, to perhaps spend on that precious wee baby.

Arielle - posted on 12/27/2012

Wow... The stress that comes from quitting is bad for you the action of doing so is obviously not. I am currently pregnant and have had about 5 different doctors tell me the same thing "CUT DOWN BUT DO NOT PUT YOURSELF THROUGH THE STRESS OF QUITTING OUTRIGHT." It is obviously bad for you and not good for your baby but stress is the leading cause of miscarriages. I am not condoning it but its not like you don't love your child if you smoke. Cutting down is the ultimate answer. Quitting cold turkey can put you and your baby through shock (esp depending on how long you have smoked). It also is a mental strain which causes stress... So that's what I have been told and researched myself.
And btw I have never in my entire life nor anyone I know has ever heard of a miscarriage because of smoking. There has always been another cause, always.
You people should be ashamed of yourselves for hating so much being so outright rude and having a poor smoking mother who is already stressing about trying to quit does not need you people saying how bad of a mother she is for doing so. Just because you were "above the influence" does not give you the right to bash other people for not being "above the influence". Have some respect people come on.

J M - posted on 12/26/2012

Talking about the habit...

Where is common sense gone, :( Of corse smoking is not ok while pregnant ,as there has always been more evidence against it, ever seen real blacken tarred Lungs?? Then think again what other may say.

Black coated tarred Lungs, Smoke changes your skin and facts remain "it ages you a lot faster, as it travels through your entire blood stream.

13/14 Poisonous toxins in Cigarettes, whats worth the most, why the risk.

No condemnation, just facts, as I use to smoke years ago before I got married, have no regrets that I stopped as really wanted to kick the habit. As all over breathing becomes easier food tastes better, and health benefits.

Smoking is not a natural thing to do, as all know its addictive, to your brain that feels you cannot live with out that puff, thats simply not true, with positive support you can live with out that puff...

Be strong take care , life is to precious, live longer without any unusually doubts wether it not good or is, like paying russian roulette,

Take care all who may like to stop smoking.

Mary - posted on 12/24/2012

try not take the blame or guilt if your child comes out imperfect or with birth defects so tis best not to smoke or use drugs or alcohol during pregnancy . When I was pregnant I kind of naturally did not wish to smoke or drink

Mary - posted on 12/24/2012

when pregnant you should quit smoking using alcohol or any kind of drugs unless prescribed . give that baby the safest place to grow into a human being and live on its own.

Ana - posted on 12/23/2012

Smoking is not ok for a pregnant woman. Look what it does to adults! The baby does not need smoke to develop...in fact, smoke can hinder development..

Melanie - posted on 09/15/2012

Blaming stress is just a cop out really! Who isn't stressed, especially if you are trying to cope with being pregnant, having other children to look after and working etc. during my first pregnancy we also lost my husbands father very suddenly to cancer but I didn't smoke to cope with it all. Smoking does give you baby an increased chance of genetic problems such as downs syndrome etc, this is a fact! It doesn't just lead to babies being low birth weight, it also gives you increased chances of high blood pressure and premature birth! In my opinion, people who are too selfish to quit for their babies health do not deserve the privileges of being a parent! it's just disgusting that you know what the side effects can be and ignore it! Oh well, I'd rather my baby be small at birth and premature then be stressed by giving up smoking..really??? Maybe put your baby first instead of yourself!

Julie - posted on 09/15/2012

Everyone knows smoking can lead to premature labor, birth defects, respiratory failure and more. It has been proven with scientific research and is a federal law that warning labels be on EVERY cigarette box. So what is the question here people?? This isn't a "can I eat sushi when I'm pregnant?" kind of question. The answer is NO

Christina - posted on 09/07/2012

I found out I was pregnant 4 wks along & was smoking about a pack & a half total would last me two days, as soon as I took my home pregnancy test & it said positive, I immediately quit & gave my almost full pack away & haven't had one since tonight I smoked half of a cigerette & I'm 3&1/2 months. I feel like a scumbag I took about 4 drags & had to throw it away. I now remember why I liked the fact that I quit it benefits a lot & it wasn't very satasfying but I can't help but think i harmed my baby! Is my baby going to be okay!?

Madeleine - posted on 09/02/2012

First baby I had quit smoking a few months before I fell pregnant. This pregnancy I quit the day I found out, as hard as it is to quit, I simply can't put my baby at risk

Ana - posted on 08/30/2012

Not ok. Just quit till baby is born..Just had someone loose their child at 6mths preg.. smoked all though pregnancy. Death is not worth it.

Anita - posted on 08/28/2012

I'm currently pregnant with my first child. I quit smoking for the whole first trimester and due to family complications I was so distraught everyday and my GP had noticed high rise in my blood pressure as a result. He asked me if I had been doing anything different and I explained to the best of my knowledge everything from eating to family life to quitting smoking. He was pleased for me, but with the stress I had been putting my body under, it rewarded me with severe physical pain. With the limit of support I have recieved, my experience has not been a happy one and so unfortunately, I have taken up smoking again. My son is in perfect health and is growing beautifully. I understand it is a selfish choice, but I limit myself to one a week. I didn't come on here to hear people pass judgement. I eat healthy, I exercise regularly and I keep my mind active. Which is more than what some people care to adhere to in their everyday life let alone in pregnancy. If my child is in distress and upset because I am, how is that fair? No pregnancy is perfect, nor is any mother! So unless you think it's fair to have someone watch and judge everything that you do wrong, how is it okay for you to further put down mothers who are doing their best to quit and cut back? Good on all of you quitting Mums out there! You have come so far!

Tiffany - posted on 03/09/2012

My cousin smoked during her pregnancies and both babies went beyond their due date and were well over 8lbs.. I had smoked on and off during my pregnancies nothing came of it..I know its a awful thing to do I noticed I didnt smoke much out in public at the time of pregnancies tried my best to keep it to myself so there was definite guilt there.....

Debz - posted on 03/06/2012

Don't smoke! Simple

Ashley - posted on 03/03/2012

Well, It is not healthy, I made the mistake of doing it(Young mom I was only 22 when I had my daughter) In turn my baby was born 3 weeks early and the guilt that went along with that was almost unbearable. She was 5pnds 9oz when I took her home. Thank God she was perfectly healthy and left the hospital when I did, some people are not so lucky though. I did cut back a lot while pregnant I never stopped 100%. I would never do that again. With age comes wisdom I guess.

Mommyof2 - posted on 03/01/2012

in response to Nicole. Stress is actually less dangerous than smoking. There's also meditation, and walking, other ways of reducing stress instead of smoking. And since it slows down their growing, they would also slow down the growth of their brain, heart, organs, etc... You're kids may be healthy but may also have health problems later on. And they might be even healthier if you didn't smoke at all. Also, if you;'re doctor told you to hole a sweater whith smoke in it then i would never go to that doc again. There is 3rd hand smoke, which is in clothes, cars.... It also can affect persons health. i just see how people don"t suck it up and do what's best for the baby they're carrying. you have a choice of what you put in your body. Your baby doesn't.

Mommyof2 - posted on 03/01/2012

I don't care what anyone says. It is never too dangerous to quit smoking when you're pregnant. It will only benifet the baby, they won't go into shock or anything. Do people go into shock when they quit? From personal experience I can say NO. It takes 4 days for nicotine to leave your body. So there's a mental addiction after that. If you're pregnant, just don't smoke =)

Melanie - posted on 02/26/2012

No it's definitely not ok. Smoking during pregnancy or even at conception dramatically increases the chances of your baby having a birth defect and or chromosomal abnormality such as downs syndrome. Hey these chemicals in cigarettes cause cancer so this should come as no surprise. Babies of smoking mums are at increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight, placental insufficiency, SIDS and asthma amongst other things. I have seen babies in the neonatal unit who fit in your hand born to mothers of smokers who wish they had done things differently. Sure these things can happen to anyone but the mothers who smoke make up the majority of babies like these. I have worked in neonatal medicine for many years and it disgusts me that women are so blasé about these issues. I tell all the patients I see in their first trimester all of the risk factors for their baby if they continue to smoke, and most of them are not even aware of them! In my opinion if you want to give your baby the best start in life and good health then don't smoke, it's that simple! It's not that much of a sacrifice to make! It's just bloody selfish if you do really! In fact consider quitting for yourself as well to improve your own health and cut your risks of cancer and cardiovascular disease as well. Double bonus!!

Nicole - posted on 02/24/2012

Your post just sounded crude the way you worded it! I was posting my opinions, my experiences, and my talks with the doctors! I know of not one child who has had direct effects from the mother smoking while pregnant! Statistically proven more pre-mature births happen with non smokers then smokers, Birth weight is indicated through your family line.! Just saying my pediatrician who is also a friend says it's harmful in 2nd hand smoke then it is to smoke while carrying.



I have tried to quit several times with no luck, I have cut down to half or less then half a pack, But only a hand full of drs. will tell you smoking is more dangerous then stress. :)

Sarah - posted on 02/24/2012

No you don't know me or owe me anything. I never said you did. Personally I also don't care what your education, job, or marriage status is. I would feel the same way if you had no education, no job, and 10 kids by different daddies. As a pediatric nurse, I've seen the effects smoking has on infants and children. You have a choice to pollute your body, they don't. IMO, it is negligent to smoke during your pregnancy and around your kids. I understand it is an addiction and is very difficult to give up, but when you choose to be a mother, you should put your children ahead of yourself.



And as I said before, to state that it only causes low birth weight is not true, there is a myriad of other potential problems it can cause. I am happy for you your kids are healthy, but you can't ignore that your choice could have potentially had different outcome for them.

Nicole - posted on 02/24/2012

All mine have been perfectly healthy babies. What am I trying to justify? I don't know you or owe you a thing :)





I'm a lactation Consultant

I am a college graduate

I work for a wonderful company straight from my home

I have three beautiful children and one on the way

I am married happily

& I Smoke about 10 cigarettes a day! :)

Sarah - posted on 02/24/2012

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoking_and...



Nicole, there is more than just low birth weight associated to smoking during pregnancy. Of course it's your decision, but IMO, it was a poor one and puts your baby at risk, stop trying to justify it.

Nicole - posted on 02/24/2012

The doctors always told me to put on a sweater and smoke then get baby and hold her up to my sweater if she ever got cranky it may be from where I smoked while I was carrying her! But non of my kids was cranky at all they all slept through the night right at two months and smiled all day long :)

Nicole - posted on 02/24/2012

The only thing smoking has proven in pregnancies is a lower birth weight, as less oxygen gets to the baby, BUT even if you quit when you find out it still takes up to three months for your body to rid itself of the nicotine!

Nicole - posted on 02/24/2012

I smoked with all mine because my stress levels were already so high, I seen two doctors during all my pregnancies as they bunch you around here and both had a different opinion one said if it keeps the stress down then a couple ounces off the weight of the baby is okay compared to stress and having the baby premature! The other doctor wanted me to really quit and said the baby would have a low birth weight But the most I smoked was with my first and he was bigger then when I had my other two and I cut way back when I was carrying them! I don't think smoking has any bearing on the babies other then they will have nicotine in their system of course!

Sarah - posted on 02/15/2012

I'd also like to add, if it's "okay" for a smoker to smoke throughout their pregnancy because it's an addiction, what makes smoking okay but not other addictions like alcoholism, heroin, cocaine, crystal meth, etc.?



Seeking out affirmation of a poor decision (even if you find it) doesn't make it okay. I don't think it's okay to rationalize or justify putting your child's health at risk because it's difficult to quit. Of course it's difficult! But so is motherhood. As women, if we are strong enough to undergo pregnancy and childbirth, we certainly can be strong enough to overcome our addictions.

Sarah - posted on 02/15/2012

Personally I don't understand how anyone could think it's dangerous to quit smoking whether you're pregnant or not. It's better for your health and your baby's. There are many studies indicating the health risks to unborn babies (low birth weight, prematurity, etc) of mom's who smoke. Not to mention the clear effects of smoking and second hand smoke exposure (which a newborn will surely have if the Mom hasn't quit smoking by the time they're born). I think it should be something that is done over time and under the care of a physician. Also people need to realize that tobacco is a drug addiction. Addiction is fed by different factors, the physical addiction (need) for the drug, which is what the doctor can help resolve, and the habit. The habit is much more difficult to resolve, the person needs to identify why they smoke, what stimulates the need to smoke (sex, eating, stress, etc.) and learn to have other coping mechanisms to deal with the dropping of the habit. This is where most people fail in their efforts to quit. Habits are much more difficult to resolve than addiction.

Tawanda - posted on 02/14/2012

Its not really ok to smoke while u are pregnant, but its hard to jus up and stop. Im pregnant with my second child and I have tried to stop. But I jus cant seem to do it. I dont smoke as much as I use to. Please dont judge me...

Lisa - posted on 02/11/2012

i have a cigarette once a week. when i really need it. i dont see the harm in it . if they say second hand smoke is worse ... i also have one glass or 2 of red wine once a month. ... .

Barb - posted on 02/08/2012

I don't think it's ok. I found about about being pregnant late with my first child cause I had a severe illness and quite the day the doctor finally realized I was pregnant. There are many quiews my doctor said I could cut down, but I said no way I want to quite and just did that day. If you can cut down it's really good to even try to cut down a bit!

Tina - posted on 02/06/2012

It really all depends on what the doctor says.

Sarah - posted on 02/02/2012

No Jennifer, that response was not directed at you and neither is this. I have smoked, I did try and quit (several times) and never could completely let it go but I tried to smoke as little as possible with each pregnancy and with one I went from almost 2 packs a day to 3 cigarettes a day. I also smoked after I had each of my children but as I explained before, I washed my hands, my face, changed my shirt and/or wore a cost or sweater every single time I had a cigarette (in fact, even though they're older now I still wear a sweater and wash my hands), I have never smoked in the house, in the car, or anywhere around them. Like I said, I love my kids with all my heart and soul and everything I do, I do for them. So while I might not have been able to quit, I have done everything I can to keep it from them as much as possible. They were all very healthy babies and kids. In fact my 2 youngest kids haven't been sick hardly at all (less than my friends' kids who were put in daycare or public school) in their lives (maybe once a year with whatever virus is going around). I can't say the same for my oldest but that's because his father and his parents (who he lives with) all smoke around my son when he visits him. I know I am a great stay-at-home, homeschooling mother and I know that my kids are better off than some of the other kids out there who have parents that don't smoke. So all of the snide remarks in the world won't make me feel bad (truth be told my step mom already tried that), I am just sick of mothers judging each other, like I said before, those of you who don't or haven't smoked probably have skeletons in your closet but at least I'm honest.

Erin - posted on 02/02/2012

I believe its only more dangerous to quit if the stress is going to be too much for your body and baby to deal with.



And none of that drama queen "Oh its so haaarrrdd"

I mean physical symptoms of intense stress on the body and mind. Plummiting and rising BP, migraines, deep depression, thoughts of harming yourself or others, etc etc.



I went from smoking a pack a day, to quitting cold turkey the second I saw a cute little + on the end of the stick I peed on.

No regrets, no slips, no cravings. My children are more important to me.

I started smoking again a few months after she was born. Sad to say I lived with her daddy and he smoked daily around me. The stresses of a newborn, ppd, and an improper latch led me to start up again.



Second time, I quit before starting to get pregnant. Lost the baby, started smoking. More.



Third time, I quit smoking, ate healthy, and exercised. Got pregnant, had a wonderful 11lb baby, still smoke free and he will be 7 months old soon.

I plan on staying smoke free for good this time. Its just healthier.

Pretty much any respected doctor will tell you smoking is bad, but the honest and caring ones will understand the special situations where the quitting might be more hazardous. Only a deep discussion with you and your doctor and maybe an addictions councillor can help you decide for sure.

Katherine - posted on 02/01/2012

its so wrong. but hey your problem not mine.

Jennifer - posted on 01/26/2012

hope that post wasnt for me sarah! i used to smoke 20 - 40 per day i was really bad and i still quit. but then i was born 9 weeks early due to my mum smoking with me. i almost died, i've had a lot of health problems since i was born.



i've been there and i do think its best to quit than cut back. its bloody hard, it was harder after baby was born as having a newborn brings a lot of stress. but i am still here and have a healthy child and pregnant with another. i feel i have done whats right for my family.

not saying what u are doing is wrong but because of my circumstances i did the right thing otherwise my daughter wouldnt have a mum right now

Jennifer - posted on 01/26/2012

it is best to cut back first as it can be dangerous too but i gave up cold turkey. my child came out fine after quitting with no cut backs.



my mum smoked while pregnant with me i stopped growing in her womb and was premature by 9 weeks. i have autism, and other mental health problems with it and my lungs wasnt developed. i was poorly for months which must of been terrifying for my mum.



i'm not judging anyone who smokes because i used to do it, but i do think its best to quit cold turkey than carry on cutting back. not just for baby health but for mummys health too.

Sarah - posted on 01/25/2012

And some people on this post are very rude, judge mental, and absurd. Again, if you've never smoked you have no idea how hard it is to quit and until you've walked a mile in someone else's shoes you have no right to judge others. My kids are my heart and soul and everything I do, I do for them. We, as mothers, need to quit being so rude to each other and judging each other. There are probably things that those of you who don't smoke have done since you've had kids that you wouldn't want others knowing about or judging you for, the only difference between you and those of us on this post who were honest about our smoking habits is that your dirty laundry isn't being aired out on here and you would never willingly admit to it. At least we're honest and open about our issues. I know my parents taught me that I'd I didn't have anything nice to say not to say anything at all so I will end this response here before I say anything I shouldn't.

Jennifer - posted on 01/25/2012

its best to quit! i smoked 20 per day and gave up at 10 weeks. i started smoking again after pregnancy and almost died from a blood clot on my lung. it was due to hormones and smoking that my blood was too thick.



its best to give up as its really damaging your body and affects your unborn baby by decreasing oxygen from your blood to the placenta!



I am so glad i gave up and I am even more glad i am still here, expecting my second! =)



its the best thing i ever done for my body and my kids!

Jodi - posted on 01/25/2012

I get a kick out of people that say they smoked throughout their entire pregnancy,and their baby came out fine.



I'm glad for all your children that were born without complications, but there are so many children born WITH complications that it seems obsurd to me that one would even chance it. For everyone saying that their children turned out fine, there will be just as many if not more saying their babies were born with complications. The statistics do not say if you smoke your baby will have complications, they say there is an increased risk for complications. I mean, before your baby is born, you cannot know for 100% certainty that smoking will not affect your baby,so I do not know anyone can take a puff of a cigarette while pregnant and not have a guilty conscience.



I'm sorry if I offended anyone, I am a pretty open minded person, but this is one thing that I cannot wrap my head around. I mean, quitting is not impossible, people do it every day for far less of a reason. Everyone says they would do anything for their children... I'd put that to the test and start here.

Sarah - posted on 10/09/2011

The same could be said to you Amanda. I was not trying to be rude, I was stating my opinions and that I think it is wrong for people to judge people when they have never walked a mile in their shoes. That is all I was saying. Mothers who smoke feel bad enough, feel guilty enough, and don't need criticism for others and unless you have been there, unless you have lived through what they have lived through, and unless you know their children and their story then no one should judge. It's like I said before, no parent is perfect, no parent has done everything right and I know for a fact that even though my mother didn't smoke while she was pregnant with me she was one of the worst mothers I have ever met. So just because someone smokes does not mean they are a bad person or that they are a bad mother. People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. It is wrong to judge people, that is not our place. You don't like it, don't do it. You don't like seeing it, don't look. It is their perogative and it is not right for people to treat eachother so badly. And I was not justifying it, I never said it was okay or that it was right, in fact, I said the complete opposite! I said that everyone knows it's wrong and no one wants to smoke while they are pregnant. If a person is constantly trying to quit then you should not judge them. That's my point, you don't see them when they are trying to quit, you don't know what's going on in their life all you see is someone smoking that is pregnant. But what you don't realize is that is their 3rd cigarette that day because they are trying to quit and the day before that they didn't smoke at all. My point is that no one knows what they are going through, what they are trying to do, whether or not they are trying to quit, and whether or not they aren't. It doesn't matter though, it's not our place to judge people.

Amanda - posted on 10/05/2011

I don't know how ANYONE can justify smoking when pregnant!!! I'm sorry but there is no excuse for it. As for those who don't want to be "judged" either don't read a question that is obviously going to stir your emotions or don't smoke and risk the health of your unborn baby!!

Cassandra - posted on 10/05/2011

Im not saying im right but i think its sad that the baby has no choice but to sit there and take it.

Sarah - posted on 10/05/2011

There are no stupid questions. People have different views about things and just because you feel one way about it does not mean that you are right and everyone else is wrong. No, people shouldn't start smoking in the first place and yes, everyone realizes how bad it is, but that doesn't make it okay for people to criticize and treat other people badly.

Cassandra - posted on 10/04/2011

This is just a stupid question. People shouldn't start smoking in the first place, let alone do it when your baby is growing inside of you depending on you to keep him/her healthy. Instead people keep smoking away maybe with some guilt but not caring enough to quit. Is it worth the health of your child to smoke? REDICULOUS