Be Smoke-Free During Pregnancy
You’ve quit smoking because you’re pregnant. At first, not smoking may be new and exciting. It’s the best sort of change. People will congratulate you. You have a right to be proud, so enjoy it. But then what? How do you stay smoke-free when life goes back to normal? Plan ahead to fight temptation. Be aware of signs that warn of a slip.
Make your success stronger
Get busy and build on your early success. List the benefits of staying smoke-free. Your list, like your life, will change. You’re finding out who you are as a nonsmoker. Remember how smoking can affect your baby. Then ask yourself, “Which is more important—smoking, or my baby?”
Have a smoke-free home
After you quit, you still need to think about staying away from secondhand smoke. Help yourself succeed by making your home smoke-free:
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Ask your spouse, partner, or roommate to smoke outside.
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Tell your friends and family you’ve quit. Let them know your home is now smoke-free and you’d like them to honor your decision.
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Also tell them that you appreciate their help. Because they keep smoke out of your home, your baby stays healthy and you stay smoke-free.
Prepare to be tempted
You will be tempted. Tough times are still ahead. Get ready to resist your urge to smoke. You know the triggers: car trips, holidays, and seeing friends who still smoke. The tips below can help you resist:
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Talk to your baby.
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Make your home a “smoke-free zone.”
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Make a list of all you can smell, taste, and do better since you quit smoking.
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Pack a survival kit to take in the car.
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When you eat out, go to smoke-free restaurants.
Heed warning signs
Ever daydream about smoking, or go to risky places, like lunch with a group of smokers? These could be warning signs that you’re headed for a slip. If you feel tempted to smoke, ask yourself when and why you feel this way.
HALT your desire!
Keep yourself from feeling too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired:
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Hungry? Fix yourself a healthy snack.
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Angry? Try some slow, deep breathing.
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Lonely? Visit a nonsmoking friend.
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Tired? Kick off your shoes, take a nap.
If you slip
If you do slip, it doesn’t mean you’re not quitting. Whether you sneak a smoke or boldly inhale, tell yourself you’re no longer a smoker. A slip is not a relapse. Don’t let all your hard work so far be lost. Find out why you lit up. Then make a new plan to help yourself be stronger.
Find out why you slipped
A slip can be useful. If you’re honest, the slip might tell you something. Do your best to answer these questions:
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How did the cigarette taste?
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How did your hands smell after you smoked?
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What did you learn about being tempted?
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Have you found a new trigger?
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What can you do to prevent slips in the future?
For more information
Here are some resources to help you stay smoke-free:
Online Medical Reviewer:
Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP
Online Medical Reviewer:
Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Tennille Dozier RN BSN RDMS
Date Last Reviewed:
8/1/2024
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