re: smoking while pregnant

Quoting BoOm French Toast:" My Mom smoked with me and I didn't have Asthma. That logic doesn't really hold up because so many children ... [snip!] ... OK or right though. I suggest cutting back as much as you can. It is super hard but you can do it if you set your mind to it."

I'm not saying that I developed asthma purely because she smoked but it increased my chances when I was a baby of developing problems, also increases the risk of cot death... wouldn't wish that upon anyone  

I have smoked with all 3 of my pregnancies. My first was 8lb 2oz with no health issues, my second was 11lbs 1oz born at 36+6 and has no health issues relating to smoking and so far my third is right on schedule to be another good size baby. My mom smoked with me and I was 9lbs 7oz. I'm not saying its right but not every baby is born with low birth weight or other health issues.

Quoting Crystalblueyes:" I have smoked with all 3 of my pregnancies. My first was 8lb 2oz with no health issues, my second was ... [snip!] ... with me and I was 9lbs 7oz. I'm not saying its right but not every baby is born with low birth weight or other health issues."

Same here. My mom smoked with me, I was 8 pounds 11 ounces. I smoked with both of my kids. They were both around 8 pounds at birth, and perfectly healthy. I agree with you saying it's not right, and some babies are born with birth defects because of it. I have been lucky thus far. I will say that it's the momma in question who can determine if it's right for her to quit. If her stress level elevates because of quitting, and she can't find something to calm her down, it's way worse for the baby than the smoke. Also, if you smoked while pregnant, and quit cold turkey, all those nasty chemicals are released into your placenta. Again, I agree it's not right, and it should be prevented, but if you smoke while pregnant I don't think you should feel guilty about it. As long as you're not a pack a day kind of smoker. I cut back to about 6 a day, more if I'm working due to stress.

<blockquote><b>Quoting Katelyn Tuck:</b>" I'm 32 weeks and a smoker. My baby boy is perfectly healthy. I guess I got lucky. I've tried to quit ... [snip!] ... but it's under control. Don't worry about it too much, as long as you've cut back a great deal then that's all that counts."</blockquote>




No that's not all that counts! Would you blow smoke into a babys face? But it's ok if it's your baby... You actually chose to smoke while pregnant, that's a smurfing disgrace!

I was using nicotine patches before finding out I was pregnant. Unfortunately you can't use the patches while pregnant because the nicotine is going straight into your bloodstream.. it's actually worse to use the patches than it is to inhale a cigarette. Once I found out I slowly started to cut back until I quit. Although quitting cold turkey is probably your best bet, a lot of people just can't do it that way. I know I couldn't. I tried and failed, it was just too stressful. Just slowly start to cut back until you get down to one cigarette a day, then none. It's not easy but you just have to keep in mind what's important. Not only is it healthier for your baby, it's healthier for you! Pregnancy is a great time to quit smoking. Hopefully after 8+ months without having a cigarette I won't have the desire to smoke ever again, especially because my husband quit with me!

<blockquote><b>Quoting Thunderchunk:</b>" I was using nicotine patches before finding out I was pregnant. Unfortunately you can't use the patches ... [snip!] ... 8+ months without having a cigarette I won't have the desire to smoke ever again, especially because my husband quit with me!"</blockquote>


?? When you use patches the nicotine goes into your bloodstream too, along with all other types of Nicotone Replacement Therapy. It replaces the nicotine that you would normally take in through smoking, expect with NRT you don't get carbon monoxide and the dangerous chemicals.
It's not ideal to use NRT but its better for you and baby then smoking.

Quoting Becky24D:" <blockquote><b>Quoting Thunderchunk:</b>" I was using nicotine patches before finding ... [snip!] ... don't get carbon monoxide and the dangerous chemicals. It's not ideal to use NRT but its better for you and baby then smoking."

That's what I said- when you use the patches the nicotine goes straight into your bloodstream. My dad is a pulmanologist and advised me to get off the patches immediately as soon as I told him I was pregnant. Just as bad as smoking.

Thanks everyone. You see, i am a full time in home caregiver for my mother who is a heavy smoker. She is confined to a wheelchair and has many health problems. She has congestive heart failure, kidney failure, is on dialysis 3 days a week, has diabetes, and has half her heart. Taking care of her is stressful especially being pregnant. Thats why i smoke.

<blockquote><b>Quoting Lucy Thoden:</b>" Thanks everyone. You see, i am a full time in home caregiver for my mother who is a heavy smoker. She ... [snip!] ... a week, has diabetes, and has half her heart. Taking care of her is stressful especially being pregnant. Thats why i smoke."</blockquote>


That sounds hard on you! Is there anyway you can get carer's in to help you? I know you would want to care for her yourself but the more pregnant you get the harder its gonna get. I do end of life care and it's awful that people feel guilty when they have to get help in but you really shouldn't have to cope alone.

Quoting Jenijo:" <blockquote><b>Quoting Katelyn Tuck:</b>" I'm 32 weeks and a smoker. My baby boy is ... [snip!] ... into a babys face? But it's ok if it's your baby... You actually chose to smoke while pregnant, that's a smurfing disgrace!"

Um. No. I would NOT blow smoke into a babies face. Like I said, I FEEL GUILTY SMOKING BUT I'D RATHER SMOKE A FEW CIGS A DAY THAN STRESS OUT MY BABY. Did you not read that? 'Scuse me, but I don't think I asked for your opinion/criticism. I was giving my thoughts on the what the asker was saying. And if you're implying that i'm a bad mom because of my smoking, you know nothing.

Quoting Katelyn Tuck:" Um. No. I would NOT blow smoke into a babies face. Like I said, I FEEL GUILTY SMOKING BUT I'D RATHER ... [snip!] ... thoughts on the what the asker was saying. And if you're implying that i'm a bad mom because of my smoking, you know nothing. "

It's a public forum. You're asking for everyone's opinion sweetheart.

Quoting slayera:" im shocked people still smokes while they are pregnant in this day & age??? suck on some hard candy ... [snip!] ... to smoke. it works if you want it to. u can start smoking again in a few months if you still want to be chained to that habit."

Or better yet, get the smurf over it and stop being so smurfing selfish.

Quoting Katelyn Tuck:" Because I got an ultrasound strictly for his lungs and heart. The doctor said that he's perfect. He may ... [snip!] ... I feel guilty every time I have a cigarette, but I'd rather have a few cigs a day than stress out my baby and myself. "

 

<blockquote><b>Quoting Jenijo:</b>" <blockquote><b>Quoting Katelyn Tuck:</b>" I'm 32 weeks and a smoker. My baby boy is ... [snip!] ... into a babys face? But it's ok if it's your baby... You actually chose to smoke while pregnant, that's a smurfing disgrace!"</blockquote>



It may very well be a "disgrace" but try being a smoker taking care of ur dying mother and be stressed. Until then, don't judge me. I simply asked for input, not to be judged!

Quoting Lucy Thoden:" <blockquote><b>Quoting Jenijo:</b>" <blockquote><b>Quoting Katelyn Tuck:</b>" ... [snip!] ... smoker taking care of ur dying mother and be stressed. Until then, don't judge me. I simply asked for input, not to be judged!"

Exactly.