Worringly, research reveals[ii]<\/a> that almost 1 in 3 teenagers smoke during pregnancy, and that an alarming number of expectant mothers from ages 18 to 30 smoke while pregnant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many potential effects of smoking during pregnancy, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You May Also Like: Vaping – A Better Choice for Pregnant Smokers<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Passive smoking is the unintentional inhalation of smoke from other people\u2019s tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars and pipes. Passive smoking is also known as second-hand smoking and can occur when you\u2019re close to someone who is smoking a tobacco product. Studies show that passive smoking can also have a significant impact on an unborn baby.[iv]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like smoking cigarettes yourself during pregnancy, passive smoking can increase the risk of a premature birth, low birth rate and also, SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or \u201ccot death\u201d).[v]<\/a> It\u2019s also important to note that research suggests that pregnant women who live with a smoker are 6 times more likely to also smoke through their pregnancy or to relapse after the baby is born.[vi]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n So, if you have a partner who smokes, or you live with someone who smokes, it would be worthwhile sharing this information with them. You should also take necessary precautions to avoid passive smoking as much as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many people feel judged when they smoke during pregnancy. Afterall, why would an expectant mother continue to smoke when they\u2019re aware of the harmful effects of smoking during pregnancy? However, it\u2019s important to understand that smoking can become an addiction, and like most addictions, may be extremely difficult to stop[vii]<\/a>. Smokers become addicted to the nicotine in cigarettes, but it\u2019s the thousands of other elements in cigarettes that are potentially dangerous[viii]<\/a>. As vapes contain nicotine, but none of the harmful substances in cigarettes associated with diseases, the NHS includes them as a recommended quit aid in their guide to quitting smoking during pregnancy.[ix]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many forms of prescribed Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), from patches, gum and nasal sprays, to mouth sprays, inhalators, and lozenges. There are some forms of NRT that aren\u2019t recommended for use during pregnancy, like Champix or Zyban. Some people find NRT effective, while others revert back to smoking after a time. The important thing is to find a way to quit smoking that works for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, studies suggest<\/a> that vapes are more effective than NRT in helping smokers quit. Some studies<\/a> have also found that vaping has less association with low birth-weight than NRT.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n As the Health Improvement Partnerships Lead at Totally Wicked, I\u2019m involved with many different groups and organisations that help people find the right tools and advice to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many people mistakenly believe that it is the nicotine in cigarettes that is harmful to your health and to the health of an unborn child. However, this isn\u2019t the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cigarettes contain many toxins which can lead to health problems. According to Cancer Research UK:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCigarettes release over 5000 different chemicals when they burn and many of these chemicals are poisonous\u201d[xi]<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s these chemicals in tobacco that can lead to various forms of cancer and other life-limiting health conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR), vapes can hold a maximum of 2ml e-liquid and this e-liquid must not exceed 20mg (2%) nicotine. This is the equivalent to around 20 cigarettes. Just because the maximum amount legally permitted is 2% nicotine in a single vape or bottle of e-liquid, this isn\u2019t to say you can\u2019t choose vapes with lower nicotine levels. Our e-liquids are available in strengths of zero nicotine, 0.3%, 0.6%, 1%, 1.4%, and 1.8% nicotine content too. You may find that as a previously heavy smoker you would prefer a 1.8% or 2% vape (they aren\u2019t noticeably different). Alternatively, a lower nicotine content could suffice to help you stop smoking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You could also decide to gradually lower the amount of nicotine in your vape to help you quit vaping altogether. If you\u2019re thinking of doing this, make sure you speak with your preferred medical practitioner, such as your midwife or GP, to ensure you receive the right support and advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s very important to be aware that illegal vapes aren\u2019t regulated. Which means that they can contain a lot more than the legal amount of nicotine, as well as harmful substances that shouldn\u2019t be in a vape. This is one of the reasons why, if you choose to vape while pregnant, you should always purchase your e-cigarettes from a reputable retailer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n E-Cigarettes don\u2019t use tobacco, which is the component in cigarettes that produces tar and carbon monoxide when burned. According to the NHS, carbon monoxide is \u201cparticularly harmful to developing babies<\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the NHS, vapes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c\u2026Are significantly less harmful to health than cigarettes. If using an e-cigarette (vaping) helps you stay smoke free, it is safer for you and your baby than continuing to smoke.\u201d[xii]<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n The NHS also advises buying vapes from a reputable retailer[xiii]<\/a>. We pride ourselves as being a respected retailer, as well as providing products, advice and guidance to some excellent smoking cessation services via our Health Improvement Partnership projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mothers who vaped during pregnancy may also be worried that vaping while breastfeeding could harm your baby. Both the NHS and other sources<\/a> say that it is safer to use vapes than cigarettes while breastfeeding. The NHS also states that \u201cIf you choose to vapes to quit smoking that it is still better to carry on breastfeeding as the benefits will outweigh any potential harm\u201d[xiv]<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll have no doubt heard that \u201cbreast is best\u201d, but are you aware of the many benefits of breastfeeding your baby?<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Healthline[xv]<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Breastmilk truly is the only food your baby needs for at least the first six months of their life. It contains all the nutrients, in the correct proportions, that your baby needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, in the first days after birth, your breasts will produce a protein-rich milky substance called colostrum. This very first milk contains absolutely everything your baby needs in their first few days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a vulnerable new born, your child can be prone to viruses and bacteria. Antibodies in colostrum and the milk that follows can help prevent your baby from becoming sick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Studies show that breastfeeding can reduce a mother\u2019s risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. There is also research to suggest that breastfeeding mothers are at lower risk of depression, particularly postpartum depression. [xvi]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Breastfeeding, for the most part, is free. You may need to invest in a breast pump and bottles if you want to express, but even these costs work out cheaper than continually buying formula milk.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n So, according to the various reputable sources and research, the answer to “Can you vape while pregnant and while breastfeeding?” is yes, if you are trying to stop smoking. This is based on current information that suggests vaping is significantly less harmful than if you were smoking during pregnancy. For further advice about stopping smoking while pregnant, it\u2019s advisable to speak with your midwife, GP, or other health professional. They will be able to guide you to the relevant smoking cessation services in your area. This can include smoking cessation services accessed via your GP, and other Local Authority or NHS provisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [i]<\/a> https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/pregnancy\/keeping-well\/stop-smoking\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n [ii]<\/a> https:\/\/twitter.com\/SwitchFinder\/status\/1304021030776827904<\/p>\n\n\n\n [iii]<\/a> https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/tobacco\/basic_information\/health_effects\/pregnancy\/index.htm<\/p>\n\n\n\n [iv]<\/a> https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/quit-smoking\/passive-smoking-protect-your-family-and-friends\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n [v]<\/a> https:\/\/www.tommys.org\/pregnancy-information\/im-pregnant\/smoking-and-pregnancy\/risks-secondhand-smoke<\/p>\n\n\n\n [vi]<\/a> https:\/\/ash.org.uk\/resources\/smokefree-nhs\/smoking-in-pregnancy-challenge-group\/supporting-partners-to-quit-smoking<\/p>\n\n\n\n [vii]<\/a> https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/addiction-support\/addiction-what-is-it\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n [viii]<\/a> https:\/\/www.cancerresearchuk.org\/about-cancer\/causes-of-cancer\/smoking-and-cancer\/whats-in-a-cigarette-<\/p>\n\n\n\n [ix]<\/a> https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/pregnancy\/keeping-well\/stop-smoking\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n [x]<\/a> https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/quit-smoking\/using-e-cigarettes-to-stop-smoking\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n [xi]<\/a> https:\/\/www.cancerresearchuk.org\/about-cancer\/causes-of-cancer\/smoking-and-cancer\/whats-in-a-cigarette<\/p>\n\n\n\n [xii]<\/a> https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/pregnancy\/keeping-well\/stop-smoking\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n [xiii]<\/a> https:\/\/www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk\/your-services\/all-services-a-z\/maternity-and-neonatal\/enhanced-midwifery-support\/smoking-and-pregnancy<\/p>\n\n\n\n [xiv]<\/a> https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/baby\/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding\/breastfeeding-and-lifestyle\/smoking\/<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat are the risks of smoking while pregnant?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Passive smoking and pregnancy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What is passive smoking?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Smoking \u2013 Dealing with Addiction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Nicotine Replacement Therapy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"types](\"https:\/\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\/vaped\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/types-of-nicotine-replacement-therapy.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nSwitching from Smoking to Vaping During Pregnancy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The NHS supports switching to vaping as a smoking cessation tool.[x]<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How much nicotine is in a vape?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Will vaping harm my unborn baby?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can You Vape While Breastfeeding?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The benefits of breastfeeding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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