Smoking is a very difficult addiction to quit, but if you are pregnant it is even more important to quit this habit. since not only your health is at stake, but that of your baby. That is why the fact of being pregnant is a great incentive to give up smoking but it also implies greater complexity when choosing a method that is not harmful to the baby. We give you a few tips and tricks to help you in this process.
Trick 1: Be aware of the risks of smoking for your baby:
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It can cause a premature birth with the consequent development problems for your baby
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There is risk of abortion spontaneous. That is, your pregnancy is terminated involuntarily.
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Vaginal bleeding and placenta problems
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Under weight of your baby at birth
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syndrome sudden death of the infant
Given this... It's worth trying. No?
Trick 2: Throw cigarettes in the trash
Be aware of the dangers it poses for your baby. Make the decision consciously, formalize the decision by throwing the cigarettes in the trash and promise yourself not to smoke again.
In fact, more than half of smoking women quit on their own initiative when they know they are pregnant. Others need help.
Trick 3: Take medication to quit smoking
Drugs, Nicotine lozenges and patches, gum and sprays They are safe if taken under medical supervision. In any case, they will always be safer than smoking cigarettes.
Trick 4: Consult with your gynecologist or family doctor
Consult your doctor about the existence of specific programs to quit smoking in your autonomous community.
Trick 5: Be honest with yourself and your doctor
Around 30% of pregnant women do not tell their gynecologist that they are smokers either on the first or second visit. It is important that you communicate your addiction as soon as possible Consult your doctor to guide you with the steps to follow.
Trick 6: Write down your reasons for quitting smoking
Write the reasons why you want to give up tobacco (especially the harmful effects for your baby). Leave this list in a visible place so that you can reread it and add new reasons as they arise. Keeping it in your wallet can be a good option. So, every time you are tempted to buy a pack of tobacco, finding the list will help you remember the reasons why not to do it.
Trick 7: Trust your family and friends
People who look to friends and family for support are more likely to get it.
Trick 8: Stop smoking forever
Don't forget the importance of quitting smoking forever. The harmful effects of tobacco are not limited only to the gestation period. Children exposed to smoke can develop health problems such as infections or asthma. Additionally, if you stop smoking you also reduce the risk of your child becoming a smoker in the future.
Trick 9: Take care of your environment
Try to avoid smoking around you. If the people who live with you find it very difficult not to smoke, agree on which specific space in the house they will be able to do so.
False myths:
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It is better to smoke than not to subject the fetus to the stress of withdrawal syndrome. The stress caused by quitting tobacco lasts a couple of weeks. It is a natural reaction of our body that allows it to develop defense mechanisms to adapt to the new situation. There is no clear evidence on the harmful effects of withdrawal syndrome on the fetus. On the other hand, there is clear evidence about the harmful effects of smoking during pregnancy.
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Light smoking does not harm the fetus. Whenever you smoke, there is a risk of harm to the baby since the components of tobacco cross the placenta. So you better not smoke.
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Smoking relaxes. Tobacco is a stimulant drug. What produces a feeling of relaxation is satisfying the craving to smoke. That is, alleviate the withdrawal syndrome by smoking.
Take advantage of the effort you have made during pregnancy and continue without smoking. You will feel better and remember that by keeping your baby's environment free of tobacco smoke you can prevent health problems.
In this video from a series of 3D ultrasounds you can discover how the fetus reacts when its mother is smoking:
