March of Dimes
View All Chapters | Find Your Local Chapter
 
Professionals & Researchers Pregnancy & Newborn How You Can Help About Us

Smoking

What you need to know:
Smoking harms your baby. When you smoke, your baby gets less oxygen. Lack of oxygen can cause your baby to grow more slowly and gain less weight in the womb. Smoking during pregnancy has also been linked to preterm labor and other pregnancy complications.


What you can do:
Quit or cut back as much as you can. We know it’s hard, but remember, you’re doing this for your baby. Here are some resources that can help:

Pregnant women who don't smoke should avoid other people's smoke. Studies suggest that regular exposure to secondhand smoke may harm the baby.

 
Smoking during pregnancy

Smoking: Tips to Quit

  • Write down your reasons for quitting. Look at the list when you are tempted to smoke.
  • Choose a “quit day.” On that day, throw away all your cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays.
  • Stay away from places, activities or people that make you feel like smoking.
  • Ask your partner or a friend to help you quit, and call that person when you feel like smoking.
  • Ask your health care provider about quitting aids such as patches, gum, nasal spray and medications. Don't start using these without your health care provider's okay especially if you are pregnant.
  • Don't get discouraged if you don't quit completely right away. Keep trying. If you can't quit, cut back as much as you can.
  • The Tobacco Research and Intervention Program (TRIP) helps women who are pregnant and who have quit smoking to remain smoke-free. For an informational booklet about staying smoke-free, call this toll free number (877) 954-2548.
  • Ask your employer to see what services are offered or covered by insurance.
  • Learn about smoking cessation programs in your community or from your employer. You can get more information from you health care provider, hospital or health department. The organizations listed below can also help:

    October 2007

  •  

 


Information specialists at the March of Dimes answer your questions by e-mail.

LEARN MORE >
Articles for parents, news, personal stories, and more!

SUBSCRIBE >
Donate now! Home | Editorial Policy | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Link Policy | Contact Us | nacersano.org
Affiliate Program

© 2008 March of Dimes Foundation. All rights reserved. The March of Dimes is a not-for-profit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). Our mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.