Smoking and pregnancy
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Benefits of quitting
- Quitting at any time will give your baby a better chance of being healthier.
- It will also help you have less risks during your pregnancy.
- Smoking may impact your baby’s birth weight. This can cause problems during and after birth. A strong and healthy baby means a safer birth for you and the baby.
Where to go for help with quitting
- Talk to your midwife, doctor or health worker
- Call Quitline on 13 78 48
- Visit the Quit Tasmania website
- Download the MyQuitBuddy app
- Speak to a smoking cessation nurse if you are in hospital
Learn more about quitting smoking
Fact or Fiction
This is what Tasmanian women told us:
"I’m already pregnant so there’s no point stopping now"
Fact:
- It’s never too late to quit.
- Quitting at any time will give your baby a better chance of being healthier.
- Quitting will reduce the chance of you having pregnancy problems.
"A small baby means a quicker and easier delivery"
Fact:
- Having a small baby does not make birth quicker or easier.
- Small babies often don’t cope well with the stress of labour.
- Small babies are more likely to have health problems at birth.
- A strong and healthy baby means a safer birth for you and the baby.
"Doctors are just trying to scare me"
Fact:
- Even if your baby is born a healthy weight, they are still more likely to have problems with feeding, settling and breathing.
- They are at much higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and health problems later in life.
"Smoking is relaxing, which is better for my baby"
- Smoking may seem like it makes you feel relaxed because it stops nicotine withdrawal.
- It actually makes you more stressed by increasing your heart rate and blood pressure.
- Smoking makes baby more stressed because it doesn’t get enough oxygen.
- Try giving yourself some time out and taking a few deep breaths.
"Cutting down is safer than quitting"
- Cutting down is a good start.
- Cutting down does not stop the poisons getting through to your baby.
- There is no safe level of smoking for you or your baby.
"Quitting is dangerous for my baby"
- Giving up smoking does not stress an unborn baby.
- Continuing to smoke does stress an unborn baby.
- It increases the chances of problems for your pregnancy and baby.
"Quitting is hard"
- Most people have to try a few times before they get there.
- With help and support you can do it.
Download the Fact or Fiction brochure about smoking in pregnancy
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