Congratulations, you're pregnant! Now is the perfect time to quit smoking if you haven't already. We all know smoking is bad for us, but it's especially harmful during pregnancy. Smoking can harm both you and your baby, causing complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, or even stillbirth.
So let's dive in and explore when to quit smoking during pregnancy.
Before You Get Pregnant
If you’re planning on getting pregnant soon, there’s no better time than now to quit smoking. Quitting before conception will give your baby a great start in life by reducing the risk of birth defects and other serious health problems.
In addition, quitting before becoming pregnant will help make the transition easier. Withdrawal symptoms such as mood swings, cravings or fatigue may be difficult enough without being accompanied by morning sickness.
First Trimester
So what happens if you don't quit before getting knocked up? Don't worry; there's still hope! The first trimester of pregnancy is undoubtedly crucial for fetal development because this period marks the beginning of vital organs formation.
It is also an excellent time to investigate giving up cigarettes for good because many women experience aversions from tobacco smoke during their first few months of gestation due to increased sensitivity toward odors.
You might wonder how quickly things could change once stopping nicotine usage - improvements are seen almost instantly within days after cessation where breathing becomes noticeably easier as two-pack-a-day smokers revert back they prior fitness levels under 4 weeks uninterrupted detoxification - proof yourself that every minute not spent smoking brings positive outcomes!
Second Trimester
The second trimester signifies a time where your body has already adjusted quite well with its new reality—carrying precious cargo inside- leading moms-to-be experiencing increased energy levels compared with earlier phases.
Quitting cigarette use around this period does come with benefits but on a more limited scale. Doctors advise expectant mothers to avoid smoking during the second trimester for three primary reasons:
- reduction of possible fetal problems;
- less irritation and stress on themselves due to reduced pregnant moms' levels;
- decreased probabilities of “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome” (SIDS).
Although quitting in Second Trimester itself won't guarantee that all pass smoothly afterward, it's a tremendous additional protection for you and your baby.
Third Trimester
The third trimester is the FINAL COUNTDOWN! You're almost there! The journey may have been long and challenging, but soon your bundle of joy will be by your side.
While some sources suggest there are fewer benefits associated with quitting cigarettes towards the end-of-term, other experts disagree claiming that continuing to smoke increases chances of preterm labor; therefore widely viewed as beneficial throughout gestation even up until moments before welcoming new life into this world finally!
So if you haven't quit yet might we make a recommendation? Please put out those stink sticks ASAP!
Harmful Effects of Smoking During Pregnancy
For those expecting or planning to start a family but are still struggling as to why we highlighted importance needed when stopping tobacco usage here's an overview what could happen serving as warning signs aimed at providing insight regarding dangers encountered not only for mother-to-be's health but also unwanted risks affecting offspring too:
Low Birth Weight
Smoking stunts growth inside mother’s womb depriving babies from necessary sustenance hence influencing their weight distribution post-birth. Additionally, these infants face difficulties sustaining temperature resulting because substantial tissue mass loss making them prone skin bruises which can sometimes lead secondary complications such respiratory distress syndrome sepsis – potentially fatal without treatment.
Preterm Labor
Women who smoke whilst pregnant increase likelihood going into early labor - any time prior 36th week posing great risk lasting impacts cerebral palsy blindness under optimal conditions.
Placenta Problems
Smoking temporarily alters blood flow exchange within placental barrier, which may lead to restricted oxygen delivery considerably reducing your baby’s survival rate.
Infant Mortality
Sadly smoking increases the probability of complications including stillbirths and infant fatalities according latest study conducted Journal Pediatrics. Children whose mothers choose not to smoke, on the other hand, were observed developing functionally better brains with fewer behavioral problems. Therefore, it's advisable that cessation will increase essential life skills' development positive self image views held towards oneself individuals surrounding them once born!
How To Quit Smoking During Pregnancy
Now that we’ve established WHY you should quit as soon as possible let's explore how can be done - it'll tough but worth every effort!
Firstly: make a list! What are those items most important (and enjoyable) in your daily routine? By assessing these factors might find ways ensuring you're reminded staying motivated actively chasing short-term goals along way.
Secondly: chewing gum sucks but during this period could range from minty fruity or even sour. Having pack nearby helps distract urges while reminding progress already accomplished reassuring ability carry-on amidst peer pressure urging rest stay in old habits no longer servee our or infants best interests either!
Lastly – don't hesitate seeking outside help when needed! Personal support groups cravings assistants therapy professionals available willing assist anyway means necessary obtain optimal results during transition process whenever required - especially since old acquaintances might inject negative thoughts emotions slowing success rate down altogether !
## Conclusion
No pregnant woman wants to put their unborn child at risk due to smoking addiction because everyone knows tobacco use is harmful for both mom-to-be and developing fetus. By understanding potential dangers relating unwanted effects inflicted regarding mortality rates future personal strain choices take heed marking quitting earliest convenience equal guarantee years cherished memories ahead fostered shared enjoyment reciprocated love further developments yet be experienced family instead potentially fatal situations trying times undoubtedly gloomy outcomes determined hold on persistent with mindset anything absolutely possible perseverance unwavering resolve paramount beginning-new-forging-ahead!
Thus it's high time taking plunge quitting timeless habit wchich benefits greater fold. It won’t be an easy journey, but we firmly believe that when guided by medical practitioner expertise combined determination inner strength continuously reminding yourself love hold towards little one everything will work out in end exactly as expected!