Why It’s Important to Quit Smoking During Pregnancy
Quitting smoking when pregnant is one of the best decisions you can make for your baby’s health and your own.
Benefits of quitting include:
Improved Oxygen Supply: Your baby will receive more oxygen, supporting healthy growth and development.
Reduced Risk of Complications: You’ll lower the chances of premature birth, low birth weight, and other serious health issues.
Better Overall Health: Quitting smoking reduces the risk of complications such as high blood pressure, placental issues, and infection.
Healthier Future for Your Baby: Quitting during pregnancy reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), childhood asthma, and behavioural problems later in life.
Risks of Smoking in Pregnancy
Smoking during pregnancy poses serious health risks for both the mother and the baby. Here are some of the key dangers:
Low Birth Weight: Babies born to mothers who smoke are more likely to have a low birth weight, which can lead to health problems and developmental delays.
Premature Birth: Smoking increases the risk of premature birth, which can result in long-term health issues for the baby.
Miscarriage and Stillbirth: Smoking can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Birth Defects: Smoking during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of birth defects, including problems with the baby’s heart, brain, and lungs.
Breathing Problems and Asthma: Babies exposed to tobacco smoke in the womb are more likely to develop respiratory problems, such as asthma, in childhood.
The Importance of a Smoke-Free Home
A smoke-free home is essential for the health of your baby and family. Second hand smoke can be harmful to both pregnant women and babies.
Here’s why creating a smoke-free environment is important:
Protects Your Baby: Exposure to second hand smoke can increase the risk of SIDS and respiratory problems in babies.
Improves Family Health: A smoke-free home benefits everyone, reducing the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and other smoking-related illnesses.
Sets a Healthy Example: Maintaining a smoke-free home sets a positive example for children, promoting a healthy lifestyle from a young age.
Partners Should Quit Too
It’s equally important for partners to quit smoking to ensure a healthier environment for both the pregnant mother and the baby.
Here are the benefits of partners quitting too:
Supportive Environment: Having a smoke-free home and quitting together makes the process easier and more successful for both partners.
Reduced Second Hand Smoke: Partners who quit eliminate the risk of second hand smoke exposure for the mother and baby.
Long-Term Health Benefits: Quitting smoking together reduces the risk of smoking-related illnesses for both parents, ensuring a healthier future for the entire family.
Financial Incentive Scheme
To encourage pregnant women to quit smoking, QuitReady offers a financial incentive scheme:
Vouchers: You can receive shopping vouchers as rewards for successfully quitting and remaining smoke-free throughout your pregnancy, as long as your birth is registered with either Leicester General Hospital or Leicester Royal Infirmary
Motivation to Quit: This scheme not only provides financial support but also helps keep you motivated by celebrating your milestones in quitting.
How QuitReady Stop Smoking Service Can Help
QuitReady offers tailored support to pregnant women to help them quit smoking and stay smoke-free throughout their pregnancy.
Here’s how QuitReady can assist:
Personalized Support: You’ll receive one-to-one support from a specialist advisor who understands the challenges of quitting during pregnancy.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Safe and effective treatments such as patches or gum are available to help you manage cravings.
Regular Check-Ins: Ongoing support through phone calls, text messages, or in-person appointments to keep you on track.
Start your journey to a healthier, smoke-free pregnancy today!