peace of mind

[KaylaaCmgr]

I smoke cigarettes, and was wondering if its best to quit cold turkey, because I heard that puts more stress on the baby, I'm only 5 weeks along, and am worrying myself sick about miscarrying. I've heard people say the first time you get pregnant you usually lose the baby. I can't stop thinking about it, I'm driving myself crazy with worry. Have any of you gone through this, or are going through this worry spell?

[Mom2amiracle2012]

Adgal, duh! I should have said that. Good tips!

And once you feel the baby move, its like wayyyy easier. I am now 26 weeks and I couldnt imagine smoking with him so alive inside me. It makes it so much more real!

[adgal]

I quit as well, and can give you a few tips in things that helped me.  I carried around an ultrasound photo.  Every time I wanted to give in, looking at it reminded me why I wasn't smoking.  I also made a list of all the reasons to quit and used that to remind myself.  I carried lots of things like lifesavers, little hard candies, carrot sticks, whatever it took to keep my mouth busy.  

You can do this!  I know, it's so incredibly hard, but you can!!  

[Mom2amiracle2012]

My doctor told me to quit by week 14. I slowly cut down until I was at 2 a day. After my 14 week appointment, I went home and I couldnt even smoke one. I felt so guilty. I have had so many problems keeping a baby, I knew I had to quit. And I did. I gave in to the craving one time, took a hit and coughed so hard I peed...it wasnt worth it!

[marajean21]

Also, when I did run out I felt like I needed one so bad before my doc appt but thought if I didn't buy any, I just wouldn't need them. My stress level jumped by the time I got to the doc my BP was 170..doc suggested I put them somewhere non reachable in a totally diff room so I can't just grab one after another..I gotta physically get up and it'll make me more aware of what I'm about to do and don't take the smokes with u when u leave the house. The more unavailable they are to you, the less likely you're gna smoke as much.

[marajean21]

It depends how many u smoke and how attached you are. If you only smoke a few a day as it is and can go without them, then stop immediately. If you're smoking a lil more than a few and just can't stop, you're gna have withdrawals and it's unsafe to quit cold turkey. I was smoking 6-8 a day and cut back to 3 immediately, but can't get past that and I've been trying since Feb. I figure the electric smokes are safer bc there is no 2nd hand smoke and you can get diff levels of nicotine to work on quitting, but I'm gonna get the OK from my doc just to be sure. She said the patch was ok but it's more of the motions for me at this point

[adgal]

Most miscarriages are caused by chromosomnal abnormality which is determined at the moment of conception.  Second most common reason is enviromental factors - drinking, smoking and drug use.  You are actually increasing your risk of loss by smoking.  

It's also true that lots of women do smoke during pregnancy without the baby having any problems.  But it's a bit of a game of Russian Roulette - lots of babies do wind up having problems.  Low birth weight is the biggest one.  This can cause all kinds of health problems.  

As for whether or not to quit cold turkey?  Most Dr.s I know say yes, however your Dr. is the one that knows your history best and can best advise you.  Talk to them, they can help.  

[carebearmomma]

I quit cold turkey about a month before I found out I was pregnant. I've cheated only twice & I feel 10 times better now that I don't smoke, plus all the money I used to spend on smokes ... I spend on baby stuff. My friend however, is still smoking and she's due in June. Get doc just told her to cut down slowly so she doesn't stress the baby out.

[mamaj07]

Ur hurting ur baby more by smoking then stressing over to quit cold turkey ...stop now n go on bout ur life...n btw 2 nd hand smoke kills kids faster than ppl who r smoking thas y u dont c 5 year olds smoking thier tiny bodies vant handle it ..n to inhale smoke is The same danger ..

[2bmommyof2]

My dr told me not to quit cold turkey because it can put a lot of stress on you and baby. She told me to just cut back slowly. As for the risks, with my first I was still smoking 2-3 a day when I have birth to a 8lb4oz baby boy who 2 days before his due date had not even dropped!! He has no respitory problems except for allergies, which he got from me! He will be 5 in may and hasn't even been to the dr since his 4yr check up!

[britanydbush]

I would definitely talk to your doctor and get there opinion but when I found out I was pregnant I quite cuz I didn't wanna risk the chance of my baby  being born prematurely, having low birth weight or respiratory problems. I was around 5 weeks when I found out and I'm now 36 weeks and she healthy :) congrats and good luck on your pregnancy :))

[smiley_one]

the things about losing your first baby is not always true. I've only known one person to lose their first baby due to a miscarriage. It all depends on your body. My friend quit cold turkey and she said she felt better, although she had the urge to keep smoking she decided to chew gum (i swear she went through at least 4 packs of gum a day). you could just be worried about what your friends said and that though will be in the back of your mind for a while, but try to look to a more positive side. I worried a lot about losing my baby in the beginning but I would sit there and talk to the baby and tell the baby things I want to buy for her and draw and write her notes and save them (that's what got me through the first trimester). This is my first baby and I am now 37 weeks along. Try doing little things like that to keep your mind in a positive place.

As for smoking, your don't have to quit cold turkey, but maybe slowing down will help you quit. I know there are electronic cigarettes that use water vapor (not sure how they work, or anything about them), but I heard they help if you want to quit. Chewing gum is also good :)