For many new mums, falling pregnant provides the perfect incentive to stub out the fags and other unhealthy recreational habits but, as Lily Allen and Kerry Katona have proven, being pregnant isn't an automatic "off switch" to your nicotine cravings.
There's no use denying it, smoking has been proved to harm your baby-to-be and stunt the development of your child in further life. Get clued-up here and then ask yourself…is it really worth it?
Some (very good) reasons to quit for your baby's sake:It can cause long-term damage including breathing difficulties
The consequences of smoking can affect a child for the rest of its life. Amongst other harmful actions, smoking raises the levels of carbon monoxide in the blood and nicotine constricts the blood vessels, which means that less oxygen can reach the baby.
It can slow the development of the brain and stunt the growth of your child
The harmful chemical cocktail that is in cigarettes is passed on to the baby in the womb. As a result, the baby may not develop as well and be lighter at birth. He or she may also have restricted brain development, the effects of which can last into adulthood.
It can encourage on prematurity
Mothers who smoke are more prone to complications during their pregnancies which can lead to prematurity. The detachment of the placenta and rupture of fetal membranes as a result of smoking can bring on the early birth of your child.
Passive smoking
Even if you don't smoke, inhaling the smoke of others can also harm your unborn child. Plus, it's not just unborn babies that are affected - allowing your child to be a passive smoker can cause asthma attacks, respiratory disease and middle ear disease. Don't make them breathe your second-hand smoke.
Quit now
With this in mind, we know quitting smoking is no easy feat. Seek all the necessary help you need as will-power alone is often not enough. Speak to your doctor who can expand and clarify the effects on smoking whilst pregnant and contemplate one of the following methods:
One of the most effective methods involves Nicotine Replacement Therapy, or NRT, a way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream and reducing withdrawal symptoms without smoking.
NRT can double your chance of successfully giving up smoking. You can buy NRT products including gums, inhalers, patches, tablets and sprays, over the counter and they are also available on prescription.
Alternatively, non-nicotine treatments are available, such as Zyban or Champix, which can be obtained from your GP. There are also groups for people who want to give up the habit, whose support may go along way to helping you keep your resolve. To learn about the full range of options for quitting smoking, see the NHS site - Go Smoke Free or call the Quitline on 0800 00 22 00.
Lily Allen has been reported to be trying hypnotherapy in an attempt to quit smoking now she’s pregnant. Did you struggle to quit when pregnant? What's your advice? Have your say on our message board.
