Smoking before pregnancy

During the months before you become pregnant, there are some important things that you can do to improve your chances of becoming pregnant and set the scene for a healthier pregnancy and healthier baby. One of the lifestyle changes you should now be thinking about is giving up smoking (tobacco and marijuana).

Tobacco and your baby

If you are thinking about getting pregnant and you are a smoker, this is a good time to give up smoking.

-          Giving up smoking is one of the best things that you can do for your own health as well as for the health of your baby - both before your baby is born and afterwards.

-          If you give up smoking now, you will feel more energetic and healthy - ready for the demands of being pregnant and being a mother.

-          If you have a partner who smokes, this is also an ideal time for your partner to quit. It will give you extra support, and both you and your future baby won't be living in a smoky home.

Trying to get pregnant

Smoking while you are trying to get pregnant may make it harder to become pregnant.

-          Women who have stopped smoking take no longer to become pregnant than women who have never smoked.

-          When men stop smoking they are less likely to be impotent, and they have an improved sperm count and sperm quality.

Have a look at the topic 'Problems in becoming pregnant'.

During pregnancy

Smoking during pregnancy increases your chances of having

-          a baby smaller in size than is normal for its age

-          a baby born early (a preterm baby)

-          a still birth (born dead)

-          a baby who has respiratory (breathing) illnesses.

Small babies are often less able to cope with the stress of labour and delivery.

So there are some good reasons to quit.

Support

Trying to quit can be hard but there is a lot of support available.

-          Have a chat to your doctor, midwife or pharmacist about quitting.

-          You can also call

-          Pregnancy Quitline (South Australia) 1300 889 010

-          Quitline SA on 13 78 48.

-          Quitline (Australia) 13 18 48

Nicotine replacement patches or gum

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding it is strongly recommended that you check with your doctor or pharmacist before using Nicotine Replacement Therapy as some forms of NRT are more suitable than others.

Marijuana

For more information about the effects of marijuana on unborn babies have a look at the topic 'lllegal drugs during pregnancy'

Websites

-          QuitSA         : http://www.quitsa.org.au/

-          National Tobacco Campaign – Quitters page:

-          http://www.quitnow.info.au/internet/quitnow/publishing