Light Smoking & Vaping During Pregnancy – Is It Ever Safe?
Pregnancy is a magical time like no other in life, and not just because of the initial bond you will share with your child. You will be instantly aware of your new responsibilities and challenges, one of the most influential decisions for some expecting mothers being whether they will quit smoking.
A wealth of information over recent decades outlines the adverse impact of smoking on the body, so let’s explore just how smoking, even light smoking and vaping, can impact pregnancy and the health of your baby. We’ll break down the risks, debunk some myths, and offer practical advice on quitting.
How Bad is Nicotine for Pregnancy?
Nicotine is a notorious villain for both the mother and child during pregnancy. The harmful substance, found in both cigarettes and e-cigarettes, crosses the placenta and directly affects your baby. With every puff, you reduce the oxygen and nutrient supply to your baby while bathing them in a toxic cocktail of chemicals.
Some of the more grim side effects include:
- Increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth: Nicotine can lead to heartbreaking and fatal outcomes for your child.
- Preterm labour: Babies born too early face numerous health challenges, such as slower growth and ongoing development of internal organs.
- Low birth weight: This can set the stage for a lifetime of health problems.
- Birth defects: Including cleft lip or palate, which can require multiple surgeries and ongoing care.
Despite these concerns, it’s still an ongoing concern for our nation. In 2021, nearly 9% of expectant mothers admitted to smoking at some point during their pregnancy. Fortunately, this rate is representative of a steady decline from 2011, when the rate was at 13%.
Pregnancy Complications from Smoking: Can Smoking Cause a Miscarriage at 5 Weeks?
Smoking during pregnancy creates a direct line of toxins to your child at a time when they are most vulnerable. The chemicals in cigarettes, such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar, can lead to severe complications, including:
- Ectopic Pregnancy: A dangerous condition where the embryo implants outside the uterus.
- Fetal Death: The risk of stillbirth is significantly higher among smokers.
- Placental Problems: Smoking can cause the placenta to detach prematurely or block the cervical opening, leading to severe complications.
- Preterm Labor: The chances of your water breaking early or going into labour prematurely are much higher if you smoke.
Women who smoke during pregnancy are twice as likely to experience a miscarriage compared to non-smokers. It’s a stark reminder of the high stakes involved.
How Does Smoking During Pregnancy Affect Your Unborn Baby?
Every cigarette you smoke can bring harmful effects that are far-reaching within your child’s initial and long-term development:
- Reduced Growth and Development: Your baby may grow more slowly and be born smaller than expected.
- Birth Defects: Increased risk of defects such as cleft lip and palate.
- Impaired Development: Smoking affects the development of the baby’s brain and lungs.
- Weaker Movements: The baby’s movements are weaker for at least an hour after smoking a cigarette.
Babies born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy are more likely to have lower birth weights and are at a higher risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI).
Is It Okay to Smoke One Cigarette a Day While Pregnant?
The short answer?
No.
Even light smoking can pose significant risks to your baby, exposing them to harmful chemicals that can lead to:
- Restricted Fetal Growth: Even minimal smoking can hinder the baby’s growth.
- Preterm Birth: The risk of preterm labour remains high even with light smoking.
- Low Birth Weight: Babies may still be born with low birth weight, increasing the risk of health issues later in life.
Quitting smoking entirely during pregnancy is the best way to minimise risks to you and your child while promoting a healthy pregnancy.
Is Vape Smoke Bad for Babies?
Vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, but this is hardly the case, especially when it comes to pregnancy. E-cigarettes can contain nicotine and other harmful substances that can affect the developing fetus:
- Nicotine Exposure: Just like with traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes deliver nicotine, which is harmful to fetal development.
- Toxic Chemicals: E-cigarettes can contain harmful chemicals that may affect fetal growth and development.
- Unknown Long-term Effects: The long-term effects of vaping on fetal development are still not fully understood, making it a risky choice during pregnancy.
Research indicates that vaping can lead to similar risks as smoking, including preterm birth and low birth weight.
Which Trimester is Smoking Most Harmful?
Smoking is harmful throughout your entire pregnancy, but certain trimesters pose higher risks for specific complications:
- First Trimester: The risk of congenital birth defects, such as gastroschisis, is higher when smoking occurs in the first trimester.
- Second Trimester: Light smoking during the first and second trimesters is linked to an increased risk of preterm birth.
- Third Trimester: Smoking in the third trimester can restrict fetal growth and contribute to low birth weight.
Quitting smoking at any stage will benefit the baby’s health, but stopping as early as possible is ideal to prevent a high-risk pregnancy.
Long-term Effects of Smoking While Pregnant and Problems for Your Child in Later Life
The effects of smoking during pregnancy can extend well beyond birth and impact the child’s health in later life. Some long-term effects include:
- Weaker Lungs: Children born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have respiratory issues.
- Higher Risk of Asthma: There is an increased risk of asthma and other respiratory conditions.
- Developmental Delays: Smoking can impair brain development, leading to cognitive and behavioural issues.
- Chronic Health Conditions: Low birth weight is linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure in adulthood.
Children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy are more likely to be overweight or obese and have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
If you need help quitting, consider contacting healthcare professionals, support groups, or quit lines for assistance. You can also speak with a qualified obstetrician in Melbourne to discuss the risks to your child from smoking.
