Quitting nicotine while pregnant: Answers to five frequently asked questions

Quitting smoking at any time during pregnancy has enormous benefits. It’s never too late to quit, so people at all stages of pregnancy should prioritize quitting. 

For expectant parents, quitting smoking can: 

• Reduce the risk of ectopic pregnancy and placental abruption
• Reduce the risk of pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
• Reduce the risk of miscarriages
• Help the baby receive more oxygen
• Reduce the risk of premature birth
• Reduce the risk of birth defects, low birth weight, breathing problems, developmental delays, and learning difficulties
• Reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)
• Help parents feel more energetic and breathe more easily
• Save hundreds of dollars, giving families more financial security

Exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy can also lead to many of the same adverse birth outcomes, so quitting smoking should be a goal for everyone in the family.

Vaping during pregnancy can lead to some of the same preventable complications as smoking cigarettes during pregnancy. Studies have demonstrated that vaping during pregnancy is associated with increased odds of complications, including decreased breastfeeding, low birth weight, and preterm birth.

In addition, any nicotine exposure during pregnancy: 

• May heighten the child’s risk for developmental disorders such as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity (ADHD), anxiety, and depression
• Could alter an infant's brain activity and volume
• May lead to future substance use in adolescence
• May lead to future obesity 

Some people may switch to vaping or using nicotine pouches in an effort to quit smoking. However, it is recommended that pregnant smokers use proven nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products like patches, gum, or inhalers instead of transitioning to vaping or pouches. See below for more information about using NRT while pregnant.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) such as nicotine gum, lozenges, patches, or inhalers are backed by science, can increase the chances of quitting, and can be used during pregnancy in some cases. 

NRT contains a low dose of nicotine, allowing users to wean off nicotine over time, helping to reduce withdrawal symptoms and lead to eventual quitting. Research has shown that using NRT is associated with decreased risk for low birth weight, preterm delivery, and birth defects compared to continued smoking.

People interested in using NRT during pregnancy should consult their doctor before starting.

Quitting smoking, vaping, or any nicotine product has long-term benefits that extend beyond pregnancy and childbirth. 

Quitting smoking greatly reduces the risk of developing diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease, and can also help the body heal faster after an injury or surgical procedure, including those associated with childbirth.

Secondhand smoke around an infant or child can also be dangerous, leading to: 

• Respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchitis
• Worse asthma symptoms
• More ear infections
• Increased risk of developing mental health issues such as depression 

Many local hospitals and clinics offer programs for quitting and may have support groups for pregnant people. People interested in quitting can ask their healthcare provider for a recommendation or find a cessation program through their state health department. 

Here are some additional resources about quitting smoking while pregnant: 

• Smokefree.gov: Quitting Smoking While Pregnant
• CDC Tips from Former Smokers: Pregnant or Planning to Have a Baby
• American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology: Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs, and Pregnancy